In the aftermath of Oct. 7, a new breed of Jewish leaders has emerged, challenging traditional notions of leadership and proving their mettle in the face of unprecedented adversity. As the CEO of Aish, formerly known as Aish HaTorah, a Jewish educational organization, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this transformation firsthand, and it’s time we recognize and embrace the strength of our youth.
Recently, I engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue with the head of a major international Jewish organization about Aish Ha’am, one of the new parties running for seats in the upcoming World Zionist Congress. His initial skepticism about the candidate list, consisting largely of young influencers and college students, echoed a common misunderstanding of this generation’s capabilities.
Many dismiss today’s youth as the “social media generation,” perceiving their digital connectivity as a weakness. This couldn’t be further from the truth. What some see as superficiality, I recognize as a powerful tool for advocacy and unity. These young Jews have proven themselves to be modern-day Lions of Judah, wielding their smartphones as effectively as swords in the battle for truth and justice.
In the wake of the Hamas massacre on Oct. 7, when our people were shattered and mourning, this generation didn’t retreat into digital escapism. Instead, they pocketed their phones, took up arms and fought in the IDF with a valor reminiscent of King David’s mighty warriors. For over a year, they’ve been on the front lines, ensuring that those who seek to harm Israel understand the inviolable worth of Jewish lives.
As antisemitic lies proliferated across the internet, falsely equating Jews with Nazis and fabricating claims of genocide, these young Jewish influencers didn’t shrink from the challenge. They harnessed their digital prowess to combat false narratives, illuminating the truth across cyberspace with a fervor and effectiveness that many seasoned advocates could learn from.
The battleground extended to university campuses, where anti-Israel sentiment reached fever pitch. In the face of violent intimidation, our youth stood tall. They didn’t just protest; they took legal action against institutions that accepted their tuition while failing to protect them from blatant racism. Their courage in confronting systemic antisemitism head-on is nothing short of inspiring.
This is why I’m proud to have these young Jews at the forefront of Aish Ha’am. They aren’t just our future, they are our present — a vital force ensuring the eternal strength of the Jewish people. For millennia, each generation has been called upon to defend our nation. The so-called TikTok generation has risen to this challenge with a resilience and ingenuity that surpasses all expectations.
Unity is not just desirable; it’s essential to the success of the Jewish people, especially following Oct. 7. The strength of the Jewish people lies in our ability to stand together and it always has. We need to bridge generational gaps, political and religious divides, and embrace new forms of leadership and advocacy.
To those who doubt the capability of our young leaders, I say: Look closer. Witness their unwavering commitment, their innovative approaches to age-old challenges and their fierce dedication to our people. These are not mere social media aficionados; they are warriors in a digital age, fighting battles on multiple fronts with skill and determination.
The Jewish establishment needs to celebrate and support the power of this next generation of Jewish leaders. They have already proven their worth in times of crisis. Now, it’s our turn to lean into them, learn from them and empower them by amplifying their voice in the established Jewish institutions as they shape the future of our people.
Let’s strengthen and unify the Jewish nation and empower the youth to reach their incredible potential. Together we will ensure that the flame of Jewish identity and resilience burns brighter than ever, illuminating the path for generations to come.
The writer is Aish’s CEO and the Chair of Aish Ha’am, a new party that will be running for the World Zionist Congress this spring. Rabbi Burg has also served on the board of governors of the Jewish Agency and as an executive board member of the Rabbinical Council of America.
