All that AUJS has to offer
AUJS has supported Jewish students across Australia and New Zealand since 1948.
University orientation weeks have just wrapped up across Australia and New Zealand, and the new academic year has begun. Given the protests and encampments of last year, it is natural for many Jewish students to feel uneasy about returning to our university campuses. While the encampments are gone, systemic antisemitism remains on many campuses.
However, we must not allow our life and experiences as Jewish university students to be defined by those who sow division and hate. Over generations, Jewish identity has been defined not simply by what happens to us, but by how even in the face of adversity, we have persevered and thrived; continuing to nurture our identity and find ways to be proudly Jewish. For us, community is, and must be our remedy to hate.
AUJS has supported Jewish students across Australia and New Zealand since 1948. We have worked to ensure that there is a proud Jewish presence on university campuses.
Already this semester, we have seen thousands of students become AUJS members and attend AUJS Orientation Week stalls and events. Whether it be dancing to Israeli music at “Tel Aviv summer” themed parties, rugelach picnics, beers and bagels gatherings on the central lawns of campus, jam sessions, Shabbat dinners and more – the year is already off to an exciting start.
At these events, students will have met fellow Jewish students of different denominations, backgrounds and perspectives. First-year students will infuse new energy into Jewish student life, and will begin building lasting friendships. In addition, over the next week, over a thousand students will attend AUJS Purim celebrations.
As we return to campuses, it is also important to remember that those holding extreme and hateful beliefs – while vocal – represent only a small minority. This is not to downplay the fact that these views are damaging to the social fabric of university life, and have caused Jewish students and staff immense distress and pain. But rather, it is an important reminder that we should not hide, compress or dilute our identities for the sake of a minority who want us to feel intimidated.
For the most part, the non-Jewish students we interact with are willing to listen, learn and engage.
For many of us, our Jewish identity is at the heart of who we are. We carry it with us. When I introduce myself to fellow students, it is naturally one of the first things that comes up. There are two frequent responses that have been the most striking to me. The first is that I am often the first Jewish person they have met, and the second is the genuine curiosity. Given this, we must not insulate ourselves. Jewish students will continue collaborating with other communities, and not lose sight of opportunities for meaningful connection between other groups on campus. This is another key goal of AUJS leadership in 2025.
There is not one definitive image of what a proud, unapologetic Jewish student looks like. For some it is attending parties to mark the chagim; for others it is taking on leadership roles in the community. It can be picnics on campus or practising “tikkun olam”. It might be Shabbat dinners and prayer services at synagogue; it might be attending rallies and advocating on social media. What I know for sure is that our Jewish identity, and our Jewish pride transcends politics, backgrounds and identities. Guided by our four pillars – Judaism, Zionism, Pluralism and activism, AUJS is committed to creating spaces where Jewish students not only feel a sense of safety and belonging, but are also empowered to explore, express and celebrate their Jewish and Zionist identities. We offer campus and regional events, national conferences and camps, and international opportunities.
As the peak representative body for Jewish students, AUJS will also continue to advocate to university administrations, government and other stakeholders. Last year, AUJS presented before the Senate and Parliamentary Inquiries into antisemitism on university campuses. Just this February, the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry were delivered. Going into the 2025 academic year, AUJS is ready to work with university administrations to ensure that these recommendations are implemented. This is an opportunity to drive real cultural change that will not only combat antisemitism but improve the university experience for all students.
The advocacy opportunities within AUJS extend to all levels of the organisation. For over 25 years, our annual Political Training Seminar (PTS) has sent a large cohort of Jewish students to Canberra to spend three days meeting with Australia’s top decision makers and leaders from across the political spectrum. Moreover, we offer several leadership training and advocacy skills workshops throughout the year with experts in their fields. Every day, we work so Jewish students have a seat at the table, and Jewish students’ voices are heard – loud and clear.
We, as Jewish Australian and New Zealander students, are not going anywhere. Since October 7, we have experienced pain and darkness, but in the face of our shared grief, we have seen the immense power of unity. This year, we encourage all students to embrace what being a Jewish student can mean: building community, creating enduring bonds and celebrating our Jewish identity. Challenges will arise, but we as a Jewish student community are hopeful, prepared and empowered as we begin this new university year.
So if you know of a university student who is not yet involved in AUJS, please encourage them to come along to an event and become a part of all AUJS has to offer.
Holly Feldman is co-President of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS).
comments