Nearly 200 community members came out in support of Minneapolis JSU/NCSY at its End-of-Year Event on May 20.
The event honored JSU teen leaders and highlighted teens who have experienced extraordinary Jewish growth since October 7th.
“JSU has deepened my pride in my Judaism,” said Yana Latz, a junior at Minnetonka High School who addressed the audience. “Most specifically, through witnessing such a strong community uniting around a shared identity.”
Minneapolis JSU/NCSY Director Mindy Daitchman shared with the audience not only JSU’s tremendous growth, but also that antisemitism has died down somewhat in many of the public schools where JSU runs clubs.
“Although it was a combination of many things, I think the biggest factor was simply that our teens chose pride over fear,” she said. “When you are a confident, proud Jew who has learned why Judaism is important and meaningful, you are untouchable.”
Over 60 teens attended the event, with many being recognized for their commitment to their JSU clubs and to their Jewish growth.
“[The event] celebrated hundreds of high schoolers exploring their Judaism with tremendous pride and enthusiasm,” said James Cohen, CEO of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, who attended the event with his daughter Dahlia, a JSU participant. “The ruach in the room was contagious.”