By Ilana Pollak
While the United Nations General Assembly met just over 140 blocks south of Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus, YU students had the privilege to learn from a set of their own political leaders. These Jewish and Zionist advocates included Rudy Rochman, Shabbos Kestenbaum, and Joe Vogel who spoke at the “NextGen: The Next Generation of Political Leaders and Advocates for Israel” event hosted by YU. The Israeli activist and IDF veteran, American Jewish activist, and Maryland State Legislature, respectively, all gave unique advice that demonstrated the diverse paths in the fight against terror – exactly what the event aimed to accomplish.
All three panelists, through their own experiences, recognized the importance of advocating for Israel and Jewish heritage, and dedicated themselves to this essential battle for life and equality. The Hamas led attack on Israel reinforced their missions.
After Oct. 7, a date still filled with pain one year later, Vogel invited the families of Israeli hostages to share their stories with his colleagues. While Vogel led efforts to combat hate crimes, hatred and antisemitism only seemed to rise, especially on university campuses. Shabbos Kestenbaum reported a series of antisemitic attacks on Harvard University involving, “a deliberate campaign to get rid of as many Jews as possible.” Rudy Rochman, a French born Jew, demonstrated how Jews have been combating antisemitism long before the current war. Rochman shared a story of his youth when he was kicked off the bus with his mother because she proudly wore a shirt with Hebrew writing – “emet,” meaning “truth.”
When faced with challenging times like these, the best way to combat hatred is not always clear. According to Kestenbaum, “If you do nothing, nothing will happen.” In response to blatant antisemitism at Harvard, such as burning Israeli and American flags, Kestenbaum chose to use his voice and influence to petition for change on a political stage by pulling support from antisemitic institutions. From suing Harvard to speaking on Fox News to presenting at the Republican National Convention, Kestenbaum chose to advocate for political equality. Every person, student, professor, citizen and politician has the power and obligation to stand tall for their beliefs.
On the other hand, Rochman provided a different perspective for approaching the fight against antisemitism. He challenged Israeli advocates to transform into Israeli activists because, as Rochman explained, advocates only represent the fans in a stadium while the activists correspond to the players in the field.
“Do not support Israel. Be Israel,” he said.
It is the Jewish people’s privilege and responsibility to embody the national homeland through actions, words and beliefs. From proudly wearing a Magen David necklace to speaking peacefully with protesters, we have power. Whether one combats a college administration or directly debates protestors, everyone has a place in the fight for Jewish safety in America and a peaceful Israel.
Throughout the event, the panelists discussed the Jewish people’s role as Israeli and Jewish activists as well as provided tools and tips for advocating effectively. Because the panelists presented unique paths and nuanced views for engaging in this battle, they were able to encourage and speak to students’ individual strengths.
Moreover, the discussion created space for students to understand and inquire how they could personally connect to the fight against antisemitism. “It was interesting to hear different views on how to react to antisemitism on college campuses,” Leora Schramm (SCW ‘26) told the YU Observer. “For example, Rudy Rochman talked about specifically going to Ivy League schools to take a stand against the antisemitism there, while Shabbos Kestenbaum talked about not wanting to fund and support these schools. Both are valid points, and it was interesting to hear different views from everyone.”
Ultimately, this night was a powerful opportunity to encourage and strengthen our Jewish family to be active in whatever way their talents and circumstances are best suited. When hate fuels violent protests, ignorance runs through the streets and guilt turns millions of blind eyes, both seasoned and rising activists are crucial in fostering unity, education, and empowerment.
Photo Caption: (from left to right) Rochman, Vogel, Kestenbaum address students at YU
Photo Credit: Racheli Jian