Rabbi Steven Burg, the CEO of Aish, formerly known as Aish HaTorah, a Jewish educational organization, has witnessed this transformation first hand. He believes it's time to recognize and embrace the power of our youth. Here is his opinion piece first hand.
I recently had a thought-provoking conversation with the head of a prominent international Jewish organization about Aish Ha'am, a new political group running for seats in the World Zionist Congress. His initial skepticism about the list of candidates, which included primarily young influencers and college students, reflected a common misunderstanding of this generation's abilities. Many people view today’s youth as the "social media generation," assuming their digital engagement is a weakness. This couldn't be further from the truth. What some perceive as superficial, I see as a powerful tool for advocacy and unity.
These young Jews have proven themselves to be modern-day warriors, using their smartphones as effectively as swords in the battle for justice. Following the Hamas massacre on October 7, when our people were in mourning, this generation didn’t turn to digital escapism. Instead, they put down their phones, took up arms, and joined the IDF with the courage and valor of King David’s warriors. They have been on the front lines for over a year, sending a clear message to those who wish to harm Israel: Jewish lives are invaluable.
As antisemitic falsehoods spread online, equating Jews with Nazis and fabricating genocide claims, these young Jewish influencers stood strong. They used their digital skills to counter lies, spreading the truth across cyberspace with a passion and effectiveness that even veteran advocates could admire.
The battle extended to university campuses, where anti-Israel sentiment reached alarming levels. In the face of violent intimidation, our youth did not cower. They not only protested but also took legal action against institutions that accepted their tuition while failing to protect them from blatant racism. Their courage in confronting systemic antisemitism is nothing short of inspiring.
This is why I am proud to have these young Jews at the forefront of Aish Ha'am. They are not just our future; they are our present — a vital force ensuring the eternal strength of the Jewish people. Throughout history, each generation has been called upon to defend our nation. The so-called TikTok generation has answered that call with resilience and ingenuity that exceeds all expectations.
Unity is essential to the success of the Jewish people, particularly after October 7. The strength of the Jewish people lies in our ability to stand together, and that has always been the case. We must bridge generational, political, and religious divides, and embrace new forms of leadership and advocacy.
To those who doubt the capabilities of our young leaders, I say: Look closer. See their unwavering commitment, their innovative solutions to age-old challenges, and their fierce dedication to our people. These are not just social media enthusiasts; they are warriors in the digital age, fighting on multiple fronts with skill and determination. The Jewish establishment must celebrate and support this next generation of Jewish leaders. They have proven their worth in times of crisis. Now, it’s our turn to empower them, learn from them, and elevate their voices in the established Jewish institutions as they shape the future of our people.
Let us strengthen and unify the Jewish nation, empowering the youth to fulfill their incredible potential. Together, we will ensure that the flame of Jewish identity and resilience burns brighter than ever, lighting the way for generations to come.
Rabbi Steven Burg is the CEO of Aish and the chair of Aish Ha'am. He has served on the board of governors of the Jewish Agency and as an executive board member of the Rabbinical Council of America. He and ynet both contributed to this article.
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