Aviva Rubenfeld wins this year’s White Rose Award

In a time of rising antisemitism, Aviva Rubenfeld has stepped up as a proud leader.  

In the darkest moments of World War II, a group of brave young German students organized to resist Nazism in the heart of Berlin. Called the White Rose resistance movement, they spoke out on behalf of humanity, freedom, and the protection of innocent lives—even at the cost of their own. Their legacy continues to inspire individuals who stand for what is right in the face of adversity.  

For over 20 years, JUF’s Israel Education Center (IEC) has annually presented its White Rose Award to a Jewish teen who demonstrates exceptional courage of conviction, humility, and effectiveness as an advocate for Jews and Israel. The late Herb Rosen—a JUF supporter—was committed to the idea behind the White Rose movement and helped create the White Rose Award. Recipients of the honor promote these values through activism, education, and community involvement, and make a meaningful impact within and beyond our Jewish community.  

This year, Aviva Rubenfeld, a senior at Northside College Preparatory High School in Chicago, has been named the winner of IEC’s White Rose Award. Post-October 7, and in the wake of record levels of antisemitism, Rubenfeld has stepped up as a proud Jewish leader in her community.  

As the president of the Jewish Student Connection (JSC) club, Rubenfeld helps organize Shabbat dinners at peers’ homes and creates support sessions for students facing antisemitism at school. She is deeply invested in supporting fellow students in building strong Jewish identities.  

Additionally, Rubenfeld has built a strong relationship with her assistant principal and has organized standing monthly meetings to discuss issues of antisemitism and hate speech in the community. She is passionate about empowering other Jewish high school students to feel proud of their Judaism at school.   

“It’s been a difficult journey for me, and it’s not over yet. However, strengthening my resilience, building student connections, and helping fortify our community makes the struggle worthwhile,” Rubenfeld stated.  

She also notes the importance of showing other “Jewish teens that they can stand up to hatred, even when it becomes nearly unbearable, and [that] one person can make a difference,” Rubenfeld added. “I want other Jewish teens, regardless of whether they live in Chicago, go to public school, or are a part of a JSC, to know that they are not alone.”  

Outside of her Jewish involvement, Rubenfeld competed on a traveling crew team; participates in the architecture, engineering, and construction mentorship program at Northside; is affiliated with the female entrepreneur club, Generation She; and works at design and build company, Vero.  

“Aviva is a true advocate for Zionism and Judaism,” said friend Leslie Shankman. “Whenever I speak with her, I am amazed by her passion, her voice, and her willingness to speak up even amongst audiences. Her advocacy about her Jewish identity is innate to her core.”  

Simona Chhahira is the School Partnership Coordinator for JUF’s Israel Education Center.