In the wake of a powerful Super Bowl commercial drawing national attention to the rise of antisemitism among teens, the Jewish Student Union (JSU) and NCSY are stepping forward to spotlight what happens after the cameras turn off: daily, hands-on support for tens of thousands of Jewish teens in more than 515 North American middle and high schools.
The Super Bowl ad, backed by Robert Kraft’s Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, underscored a sobering reality — nearly two-thirds of Jewish teens report experiencing antisemitism. While the message resonated nationwide, JSU and NCSY leaders say the real work begins where the commercial ends: in classrooms, hallways, and student clubs across the country.
“That ad told America what Jewish students are facing,” said Rabbi Micah Greenland, International Director of NCSY. “But our students don’t experience antisemitism in 30-second segments. They experience it on a Tuesday morning between classes. JSU exists to make sure that when that happens, no Jewish student is standing alone.”
JSU operates on public and private school campuses nationwide, providing Jewish students with safe spaces, mentorship, and allies — often serving as the first line of support when antisemitic incidents occur. JSU focuses on “pro-semitism,” being prideful about our Jewish roots and identities, by teaching in engaging ways about Jewish holidays, values, and traditions. What once were concerns about grades, sports, or social pressures have increasingly been replaced by fear of slurs, intimidation, and even swastikas appearing in school hallways.
“We are seeing a dramatic shift in what students are carrying emotionally into school each day,” said Devora Simon, national director of JSU. “JSU clubs are not just extracurricular activities — they are lifelines. They are places where students rebuild confidence, develop pride in their Jewish identity, and find the courage to stand tall in environments that can feel hostile.”
For many students, JSU is the first place where they feel seen and supported.
“After a swastika showed up near my locker, I stopped wearing anything that made me look Jewish,” said Daniel, a high school junior in the Midwest. “JSU gave me the confidence to be myself again. I realized I wasn’t weak for being scared — I just needed support.”
“I used to think I just had to deal with it on my own,” added Sarah, a sophomore at a public high school on the East Coast. “JSU helped me find my voice. Now I’m not just surviving school — I’m leading.”
JSU and NCSY leaders emphasize that awareness campaigns are vital — but they must be paired with real-world action. While national messaging can spark conversations, it is consistent, in-school engagement that creates lasting change.
“Awareness is the first step,” Rabbi Greenland added. “But action is what changes lives. Where the Super Bowl ad ends, JSU begins — and we’re committed to showing up for Jewish students every single day.”
As antisemitism continues to rise nationwide, JSU and NCSY are calling on educators, parents, community leaders, and allies of all backgrounds to recognize the urgency of supporting Jewish students — not just during headline moments, but throughout the school year.
About NCSY
NCSY, a brand of the Orthodox Union (OU), connects with Jewish teens through innovative, cutting-edge social and recreational programs to develop a positive Jewish identity. NCSY inspires Jewish teens and their connection to Israel through informal Jewish education, retreats, and summer programs. NCSY empowers more than 35,000 teens, across six countries, through leadership development and guidance to become passionately committed leaders of the Jewish community and instruments for positive change and renewal. To learn more, visit ncsy.org.
About Jewish Student Union (JSU)
JSU is more than just a high school club. It is the only Jewish club on campus for Jewish teens in public school and, in the current environment, has become a beacon of Jewish pride. JSU provides a welcoming and vibrant Jewish community where teens learn and connect with each other, explore Jewish culture and history, and discover opportunities for deeper engagement. JSU has grown into a national network of over 515 clubs, transforming the high school experience for more than 22,000 students across North America every year. For more information, visit jsu.org.
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