An Invitation to Reform College Students and Teens Approaching College
For many college students, campuses have become fraught, overwhelming and challenging spaces as tensions have risen around the war in Gaza. We recognize the stress and uncertainty of this moment, the fear many are experiencing in the face of antisemitism, and the distress held by folks across the political spectrum. We also share a profound sorrow for the immense loss of life and grave concern for those still in danger.
We want to be here for you at this painful moment. So, we are offering the programs below as spaces for college-aged members of our community to feel seen, to listen to the challenges we are facing, and to process and share our experiences. Our aim is not to tout a particular viewpoint or to convince you to agree with the URJ’s position on the conflict. We hope to create a space for civil discourse, curiosity, and support within our community. We condemn the use of violence, hate speech, and behavior that seeks to dehumanize or deny the sanctity of all human life. We welcome and encourage Reform college students who need a space of this kind and who accept these guidelines to join us.
- For college-aged young adults who are experiencing this first-hand, we will be offering a zoom session on May 16th at 8pm EST to have dialogue about what you are experiencing.
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- These calls will be facilitated by Rabbi Isaama Goldstein-Stoll, URJ’s Director of Youth Organizing – North America and Bryan Oren, the URJ’s Director of Youth Organizing – Israel.. Rabbi Isaama is the former Senior Jewish Educator at Yale Hillel and a trained mediator skilled at fostering dialogue across lines of difference. Bryan is a Resetting the Table fellow and has significant expertise in education and dialogue facilitation around Israel-Palestine.
- Participants will be invited to share and process their experiences on campus. Together we will engage in open dialogue about the war, the response on college campuses, and the impacts both have had on your lives. Our aim is to provide an opportunity to support one another, listen to the challenges we’re facing, and to process and share our experiences.
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- High school students transitioning to college in the fall: the aforementioned call will be reserved for those in college. We will offer a unique session for you all in August to help you process your thoughts and feelings stepping onto campus for the first time.
- For those seeking a learning space, we invite you to join a movement-wide webinar led by Rabbi Rick Jacobs and Professor and URJ Board Trustee, Marc Dolinger. More details TBA shortly.
We believe in the power of coming together and want to reiterate our willingness to assist in any way you might need. We encourage those looking for support to attend the Zoom sessions. Should you need support beyond that session, Bryan Oren, Rabbi Issama Goldstein-Stoll, and Rabbi Esther Lederman will be available to schedule one to one meetings.
With love,
Henry Barron
North American Leadership Team President 2023-2024
Nadine Katz
NFTY North American Leadership Team 2023-2024; GW University
Rabbi Esther L. Lederman
Vice President, Leaders in Action
Rabbi Isaama Goldstein
Director of Youth Organizing -North America
Bryan Oren
Director of Youth Organizing- Israel
