Hillel’s Student Leadership Passport Brings Student Wisdom to “Never is Now”
This week, more than four thousand attendees gathered in New York City for “Never is Now,” ADL’s annual summit on antisemitism and hate. Among those attending were over 60 Jewish students from around the world representing their Hillels as part of Hillel International’s Leadership Passport, a new initiative designed to introduce student leaders to high-impact national gatherings.
“We care so much about our partnership with ADL. We are there, day in and day out on campus, and that puts us in a position to work with administrators and others to ensure that every Jewish student has access to a safe and welcoming campus environment. They deserve that,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, in remarks at the summit. “We are using this current period of challenge to catalyze the largest-ever new generation of Jewish leaders in history.”
This year, “Never Is Now” drew a cross-section of scholars, influencers, civic leaders, and policymakers who are deeply engaged in confronting antisemitism — an issue that directly affects Jewish college students today. The conference represented a meaningful opportunity for student leaders to engage directly with lay leaders and to attend programming designed specifically for them.
“‘Never Is Now’ is the largest gathering on antisemitism in the United States, and we are so privileged to have student leaders representing over 30 universities joining us through Hillel International’s Passport Program,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL’s CEO. “At a time when antisemitism is already at record levels and has been a serious and ongoing concern on campuses across the country, we are equipping students with the essential knowledge and skills they’ll need to respond when they encounter hate on campuses and in their lives.”
In addition to gatherings geared toward Leadership Passport participants, including a meet and greet with Jonathan Greenblatt and Adam Lehman and a private breakfast with two creators and advocates, Tessa Veksler and Max Cohen, students were also able to attend breakout and plenary sessions throughout the two-day event. “Never is Now” offered a Student Leadership Track, as well as tracks that focused on safety and security; media, technology and the arts; advocacy; education; and litigation.
“The best part of being involved with the Leadership Passport is getting to connect with other student leaders from Hillels around the world,” shared Ginger Uhlfelder, a third-year student at Temple University who serves as student board secretary at Temple University Hillel. “It’s really inspiring to see how dedicated they are not just to fighting against antisemitism, but fighting for Jewish joy. I hope to return to campus with new tools to share with my peers… so that they can feel empowered to embrace and celebrate their Jewish identities.”
More than 100 speakers, including bestselling author Emmanuel Acho; founder of the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft; and Bob and Nancy Milgrim, the parents of slain Israeli Embassy staffer Sarah Milgrim, brought their wisdom, experience, and perspective to the conference, including actors, activists, educators, journalists, legislators, and clergy members. Panels and workshops included “One People: How Jewish Communities Around the World are Working Together to Confront Antisemitism and Build Resiliency,” “The Power of Youth Advocacy: Students Taking Action Against Antisemitism,” and “Living Jewishly: Identity, Celebration and Safety,” among more than 25 breakout sessions and three main-stage plenaries.
“The Hillel International Leadership Passport has made it possible for students like me to be front and center at these conferences and events that are shaping the future of Jewish life in America and the world,” said Mateen Markzar, a fourth-year student at Brown University and a member of the Hillel International Student Cabinet. Markzar also spoke as one of the panelists on the Student Leadership Passport Panel Conversation, where he shared his experiences as a Hillel student leader in this moment. “I hope that many more students get the opportunity to access these conferences and events,” he added.
Leora Feinsmith, a fourth-year student at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, another panelist, and Hillel International’s Israel Leadership Network Student Trustee for the California State University system, shared a similar perspective. “As a student leader in the Hillel movement, I am inspired by the memories and connections made, joy created, and connection to our Judaism,” she said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity with Hillel Leadership Passport to go to the ADL conference to learn and bring information and resources back to my university.”
After they return home, these students will have the opportunity to share new skills and insights with their peers. Following “Never is Now,” Student Leadership Passport participants are eligible for up to $750 in microgrants to lead programming that brings their learning back to campus.