February 4, 2025

Why Expressing Jewish Identity Shouldn’t Be a Question, But Somehow Is

Rebekah Adelson Director of Hillel of Greater MetroWest NJ

In our communities around the world, every day is a reminder of the strength, resilience, and complexity of our Jewish identity. Only days ago, we remembered the liberation of Nazi camps on January 27, 1945. And nearly 500 days have passed since October 7—a day that, for many, reopened old wounds and forced us all to reckon with a painful reality. Yet, even as time moves forward, the lived experience of being Jewish in today’s world remains deeply challenging and, at times, heartbreaking.

Recently at one of the campuses we proudly serve as Hillel of Greater MetroWest, a conversation unfolded at the student involvement fair that encapsulated the dilemmas so many of our college students face. Student leaders were gathered, brimming with energy and perfecting their table set up, yet they found themselves divided over a question that cuts to the core of who they are: Should they display their campus name in Hebrew proudly on their t-shirts, or should they keep it hidden?

For many, Hebrew is not just a language—it’s a living connection to our history, our prayers, and our shared experience. Displaying it is a declaration of pride, a bold statement of identity. Yet in today’s climate of uncertainty, that declaration can also feel like an invitation for scrutiny or, worse, hostility…especially on college campuses. The hesitation was palpable. One moment, a student would argue that displaying the Hebrew was an act of defiant affirmation; the next, another would question whether this visible mark of identity might attract unwanted attention or risk. This student, understandably, feared the backlash it may create.

This debate isn’t simply about t-shirt design—it’s a reflection of a much larger conflict that our students (and students on campuses all across the country) live every day.

Even 80 years after the Holocaust, antisemitism continues to influence how Jewish young people navigate their lives. They are caught between the desire to honor a proud legacy and the need to protect themselves in a world where the echoes of past and present atrocities reverberate. It is a conversation no one should have to have, especially when the heritage we share is one of survival, innovation, and hope.

Every day, these students face new challenges. From microaggressions on campus to broader societal tensions, the question of how to safely and authentically express their Jewish identity is ever-present. The choice to display Hebrew, or any other emblem of our identity, should be a celebration—a normalized and joyful representation of who they are. Instead, it has become a balancing act between pride and fear, expression and protection.

I ask you, our community: Why should our young people be forced to make this choice in a time when the memory of one of humanity’s darkest chapters should have long been a call for unity rather than caution? We must do more than simply acknowledge these challenges; we must actively work to create spaces where Jewish identity is both celebrated and safeguarded.

At Hillel of Greater MetroWest, we are committed to standing with our students—providing them with the support, resources, and community they need to thrive without compromise. Let us come together to ensure that our young people’s Jewish identity remains a source of strength, not a burden to bear while walking across campus to class. The conversation about how to express our heritage should be about joy, learning, and community, not about fear or division.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we foster an environment where every student can proudly wear their identity—Hebrew on their t-shirt or not—without second-guessing their right to be who they are. Let’s honor our past by shaping a future where the heritage of our people is a beacon of resilience and hope, not a reminder of the choices we shouldn’t have to make. Together, we can create a community where every expression of Jewish identity is embraced, celebrated, and respected.

As we continue this vital work, I invite you to join us in empowering the next generation. Please consider making a gift to Hillel of Greater MetroWest by clicking here.

Your support not only sustains our programs and initiatives but also helps us create safe spaces for students to express their identity with pride and confidence. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a step toward building a future where our rich heritage is celebrated without compromise. Thank you for standing with us and for your continued commitment to our shared legacy.