Renewed Antisemitic Trends Prod Canadian Youngsters Towards Embracing Jewish Faith
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In recent years, a significant resurgence of Jewish identity among young people has been observed worldwide. This revitalization is driven by various factors, including a strong desire for visibility and pride, a critical engagement with Jewish history and community, and active participation in social and political causes that resonate with Jewish values.
Young Jews, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are embracing bold symbols of identity like large Chai necklaces as statements of Jewish pride and survival. This trend, which surged significantly after antisemitic events such as the October 7th massacre in 2023, reflects a collective determination to assert their identity openly and unapologetically.
Increased community engagement and education are also key contributors to this resurgence. Jewish youth are attending synagogues more frequently, enrolling in Jewish day schools at higher rates, and actively participating in Jewish organizations. This heightened internal engagement is partly a response to new anxieties about safety and acceptance given the rise in antisemitism, fostering a turn inward to strengthen identity and community ties.
New frameworks for communal belonging are also playing a role in this revitalization. Initiatives focused on reconnecting with historical and collective Jewish identity, such as the Knesset Yisrael concept, emphasize the continuity of Jewish peoplehood across generations and geography. This helps young Jews find meaning and purpose in their Jewish identity beyond immediate political issues or divisions.
Younger Jewish generations, particularly in the U.S., often show more progressive and nuanced views regarding Israel and Zionism. Their involvement through organizations like J Street reflects a blend of attachment to Israel coupled with concerns about its policies, which shapes a dynamic Jewish identity grounded in values of democracy, civil rights, and social justice.
Educational and social initiatives confronting antisemitism and racism are also strengthening identity among young Jews. Programs like the Peretz Centre’s Discovering Doikayt initiative promote deep learning about Jewish history and contemporary struggles along with anti-racism engagement. This dual approach strengthens identity through historical consciousness and activism within a framework of social justice.
Many young Jews are finding Shabbat observance as a way to reconnect with the Jewish community. In Israel, secular young men are beginning to wear tefillin daily, an awakening not seen in years. The presence of antisemitism and stigma in society may continue to drive people to seek a sense of Jewish community. For some young Jews, reattaching to their Judaism involves focusing on routine, everyday aspects such as keeping kosher.
Jewish organizations in Canada are experiencing an influx of interest from young members. The hope is that each individual seeking a return to their Jewish identity will draw in more with them, potentially until everyone feels a strong attachment to their identity. Young people worldwide are rediscovering their Judaism amidst increasing antisemitic incidents on campuses and in media.
R' Greenberg, who works closely with students from all degrees of orthodoxy, suggests that the surge of rediscovery may continue as long as Israel remains in the public mind. This resurgence of Jewish identity among young people, fueled by a mix of symbolic expression, community investment, critical reflection, and social-political activism, is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Jewish community in the face of adversity.
References:
- J Street
- Antisemitic incidents surge in 2023
- Jewish day schools see increased enrollment
- Knesset Yisrael concept
- Peretz Centre’s Discovering Doikayt initiative
- The resurgence of Jewish identity among young people is not only demonstrated by bold symbols of identity, but also by increased participation in Jewish education and self-development, such as attending synagogues more frequently, enrolling in Jewish day schools, and actively participating in Jewish organizations.
- To foster a deeper understanding of their Jewish identity, many young Jews are engaging with educational and social initiatives that confront antisemitism and racism, like the Peretz Centre's Discovering Doikayt initiative, which promotes deep learning about Jewish history and contemporary struggles along with anti-racism engagement, providing a framework for self-development rooted in social justice.
