Hillel’s Leadership Passport Brings Student Leaders Into Conversation About Jewish Security
This week, Jewish leaders from around the United States convened in Washington, D.C. for a two-day advocacy fly-in, including a day on Capitol Hill, hosted by the Jewish Federations of North America and focused on advancing security for the Jewish community. And thanks to Hillel International’s Leadership Passport program, student leaders from a variety of colleges and universities were able to add their voices to this critical conversation.
“The Leadership Passport initiative is giving our student leaders incredible opportunities to attend high-impact national gatherings and actively contribute to bettering the broader Jewish community,” said Adam Lehman, President and CEO of Hillel International. “The students who attended the Jewish Federation’s Fly-In on Capitol Hill are learning what it takes to engage with policymakers in meaningful advocacy and how they can apply those skills back on campus. We’re grateful for this partnership with Jewish Federations of North America and look forward to continuing to work together to cultivate strong Jewish leaders for campus and beyond.”
Colleges and universities have been at the center of some of the most intense conversations about antisemitism and safety for Jewish students. Antisemitism on campus has made headline after headline since the October 7, 2023 attacks, and according to data released earlier this year in partnership with the American Jewish Committee and Hillel International, 42% of surveyed Jewish students reported experiencing antisemitism during their time as a college student. While this week’s gathering addresses security concerns that reach far beyond college campuses, students offer a critical perspective to the conversation.
“At a time when Jewish students are facing unprecedented threats, harassment, and intimidation on campuses across the country, it is more important than ever that their voices are heard directly by policymakers,” said Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America. “Hillel students participating in this week’s security fly-in are not only advocating for their own safety, but for the fundamental right of every Jewish student to learn, gather, and express their identity without fear. Their leadership, courage, and willingness to speak out embody the strength and resilience of the Jewish community.”
The fly-in began with a welcome session and programming to kick off conversations that would be continued with policymakers the following day. The next morning, participants headed to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staff to advance critical security priorities. Those meetings focused on moving forward federal legislation that includes key components of Jewish Federations of North America’s Six Point Security Agenda, developed in response to the tragic antisemitic attacks in Washington, D.C., and Boulder, Colorado that caused the deaths of three people and multiple injuries.
Lilly Chavez, a graduating senior at Florida State University, felt particularly moved to attend the fly-in because of those incidents. The attack in Boulder, along with the murder of two staffers in D.C., motivated her to take part in her first ultramarathon, during which she wore a yellow ribbon to raise awareness for the then-Israeli hostages, and carried an Israeli flag.
“I wanted some way to advocate and bring awareness,” she said. “Now, I’m so grateful to be at the fly-in to help with this cause and make a more direct change for our country and hopefully the world.”
The Leadership Passport program brings Jewish student leaders to major convenings of partner organizations, so they can learn from leaders across the Jewish community, build bonds with one another, and return to campus with greater knowledge and networks they can apply in their leadership roles at Hillel and more broadly on campus. Students must be nominated by Hillel staff on their campus in order to be considered, and demonstrate leadership and meaningful participation in advocating for the Jewish community.
“The Leadership Passport… has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, develop leadership skills, and engage with students and mentors who are deeply passionate about Jewish life,” Chavez said. “I hope to bring back a stronger sense of confidence, inspiration, and connection. I want to share what I learn with other students and encourage more people to become involved in Jewish leadership and advocacy.”