Tuesday evening, 230 parents and high school students gathered at Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Deerfield to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing Jewish college students today. The program was an invitation for families to talk to each other about the college experience and prepare for the future.

“As these students prepare to enter their next phase in life it is important for the entire family to engage in discussions about Israel and understand the landscape of Jewish life on campus,” said Emily Briskman, executive director of JUF’s Israel Education Center.

Freshmen and sophomores heard from teens participating in JUF’s Write On for Israel program to learn both leadership and advocacy skills. Sophomores and Juniors heard from a panel of current campus activists who discussed some of the real implications of the movement to delegitimize Israel.

“Most Chicagoland teens are blessed to have not grown up in that type of toxic environment, which is why their introduction to terms such as BDS, SJP (Students for Justice in Palestine), and apartheid should be in a familiar, supportive and educational setting,” said Rabbi Nate Crane of B’nai Tikvah.

JUF’s IEC and Campus Affairs professionals answered parents’ questions about the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, what their children can do to advocate for Israel and how they can be effective advocates themselves.