Nearly 200 community members came out in support of Minneapolis JSU at its End-of-Year Event on May 19.

The event celebrated the resilience of JSU’s teens and their ability to stand up to antisemitism in their public schools. Teen leaders from the chapter’s 18 JSU clubs were also honored.

The event opened with remarks from Hopkins High School Senior Louis Shachtman, a longtime JSUer.

“JSU is a uniter,” he said. “[It’s a] classroom without walls that doesn’t shy away from critical conversations… They provide us with the tools so we can navigate the current state of affairs, while learning from our past, celebrating our traditions, and making our Judaism relevant for each one of us, no matter the background.”

The event also featured a video in which local teens talked about the antisemitism they experienced and how JSU provided them with safe spaces on their campuses – and the tools to fight back.

“JSU has given me the power and strength and confidence – especially when it comes to my Judaism – to be proud of who I am and not back down, especially on college campuses that are filled with antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment,” said Michael Cherevatsky, a graduating senior at Eastview High School.

“JSU is all about love and positivity,” he added, “and making people better through their connection [to] Judaism.”

Funds raised at the event will help the chapter expand its network of clubs in the fall.