For the recent SEED speaker sessions at RKYHS, students heard from Sgt. Benjamin Anthony, the CEO and co-founder of the MirYam Institute. Anthony, who is recognized as a national Jewish leader and an unremitting advocate of Israel, eloquently addressed students on the dangerous rise of antisemitism in America. He began by detailing for students the antisemitism that he experienced in England growing up, and spoke about his subsequent long tenure serving in the IDF.

Anthony was candid and direct with students as he impressed upon them the imperative for pride, unity and strength in the face of antisemitism. He discussed how the words of Kanye West and many more like him are placing Jews in America in danger. Students need to see these dangers and take concrete steps to be part of the force that is battling back against them. He gave them a clear directive to combat all the Jew hatred with pride, and challenged the students to celebrate their American Jewish heritage. Anthony empowered the students as future leaders of American Jewry, to move forward as a generation in leadership roles to promote the strength and vitality of the Jewish people and to combat antisemitism through determination, engagement and courage.

RKYHS looks forward to a new initiative with fellow area high schools over the next few months for the teens to work together to combat antisemitism.