Hundreds of thousands of Jewish students around the world will receive a personal letter and video message from 98-year-old Holocaust survivor and educator Nate Leipciger as they return to campus for the new academic year, amid rising antisemitism since October 7.
The international initiative, led by the International March of the Living, brings together Jewish organizations and student groups worldwide to distribute Leipciger’s message calling on young Jews to take pride in their identity, stand against antisemitism and remain connected to Israel.
Participating organizations include the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS), The Jewish Agency for Israel, ASHER, the World Zionist Organization, IAC on Campus and Students Supporting Israel (SSI), among others.
The letter is being distributed on September 1, the anniversary of the outbreak of World War II.
Leipciger was 15 when the Nazis deported him and his family from the ghetto to Auschwitz-Birkenau. He was separated from his mother and sister, whom he never saw again. Leipciger and his father survived Auschwitz, the death march and several other concentration camps. For almost three decades, he has shared his testimony with younger generations through the International March of the Living.
In his letter, Leipciger urges students: “Please remember: You are not responsible for the hatred directed at you. You do not have to conceal who you are to earn the right to belong. Never permit those who hate you to define you. Do not allow anyone to force you into a false choice between your Jewish identity and your place in the wider world. No one should demand that you deny Jewish history, disown the Jewish people or surrender your connection to Israel. Be courageous, but do not stand alone. Find one another. Support the classmate who is afraid or isolated. The future of Jewish life is passing into your hands. Carry it without apology, with compassion and strength."
The initiative comes as Jewish students have faced heightened antisemitism on campuses since October 7, including harassment, exclusion and hostility related to their Jewish identity and connection to Israel. In the letter, Leipciger draws a distinction between legitimate criticism of any government, including Israel’s, and discrimination against Jewish students.
Leipciger’s appeal also comes months after mezuzahs were torn from the doors of apartments belonging to elderly Jewish residents, including Holocaust survivors, in the Toronto building where he lives.
This past April, Leipciger participated in the International March of the Living for the 22nd time, more than any other Holocaust survivor from the Diaspora who has accompanied young people through the program. At 98, he once again walked from Auschwitz to Birkenau alongside thousands of participants, continuing his decades-long commitment to preserving Holocaust memory for the next generation.
Leipciger also calls on Jewish students to support one another, strengthen their knowledge of Jewish history, build alliances and stand against racism, antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.
For Nate Leipciger’s full open letter and video message:
https://motl.org/an-open-letter-to-jewish-students-never-let-hatred-define-you/