BY EDEN REFAELOVICH
Together with Jennie Fishman, a United Jewish Federation Israel Committee member, I visited Stamford High School and met with students of the Jewish Heritage Club.

During the visit, we discussed Jewish identity, the impact of current events, antisemitism, and how students feel as Jews in today’s world.

I shared with them some of my thoughts regarding October 7 and how it affected not only Israelis but Jews all around the world, especially students and teenagers in the age of social media. As a community shlicha, my goal is to be present throughout the community. I understand how important it is to be in public schools, where Jewish students can benefit from extra support and a stronger connection to community, ensuring that every Jewish student - and every person - feels safe and proud of their identity in their environment. This visit was very meaningful; the students were amazing and shared so openly. I hope to have many more opportunities like this.

Jennie said, “Seeing how the world responded on October 8, 2023, really made me rethink my Jewish identity and how important it is to feel connected and supported, which  led me to get so involved in my local Jewish community. Visiting the Jewish Heritage Club at Stamford High School was a glorious reminder of how important these spaces are. It’s a place where Jewish students can find community, and  with Eden there, gives them another way to feel connected and supported.”

Special thanks to Monica Smyth Schlessinger, Chair of the Israel Committee, for making this possible.