Jake’s Statement

On October 7th, 2023, I witnessed the worst attack on Jewish life since the Holocaust.

I remember sitting in my room on Saturday morning when I suddenly heard my mom crying. I ran into the kitchen and saw her holding her head while watching the news on the TV. The images — most of them live — showed terrorists shooting in the middle of civilian communities while people were trying to escape. I saw burning cars, burning homes, and heard the sounds of rockets. That event will remain in my memory forever.

The attack resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives. 251 civilians were kidnapped, and 59 of them remain hostage today in Gaza.

Shortly after those horrific events, we witnessed a rise in antisemitism nationally and globally — especially on campuses of universities in the United States.

I saw the confusion of young students facing chaotic rallies, verbal, emotional, and physical attacks. Many were denied access to school facilities, including libraries, classrooms, and even their dorms by protesters. These situations created a massive threat and a sense of isolation for Jewish students across the country and the world.

This challenging reality motivated me to create a place for students who are experiencing these challenges firsthand — a space where they can:

Find answers to urgent questions Access support through trusted organizations Know they are not alone Most importantly, this platform is here to host a spectrum of views — a place for respectful dialogue and finding common ground. I believe that through communication, education, and support, we can move toward a better future for all students.

JAKE WASSERMAN

Student, Speaker, and Volunteer