Holocaust Survivor Urges Jewish Students Worldwide to Embrace Identity Amid Rising Antisemitism

Nate Leipciger, a 98-year-old Holocaust survivor, has sent a letter and video message to hundreds of thousands of Jewish students globally as they return to university. The initiative, spearheaded by the March of the Living, aims to bolster Jewish youth's pride in their identity, combat antisemitism, and strengthen their connection to Israel. Leipciger's message comes amid a reported surge in antisemitic incidents on campuses since the October 7th attacks.

In his letter, Leipciger implores students not to conceal their Jewish identity to gain acceptance. "You are not responsible for the hate directed against you. You do not have to hide who you are to deserve your place. Never let those who hate you define you," he wrote. He also urged them to reject any perceived pressure to choose between their Jewish heritage and broader society, encouraging them to "be brave, but do not stand alone. Find each other and support the fellow student who is afraid or feels isolated."

Leipciger, who was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau at age 15 and survived multiple concentration camps, distinguished between legitimate criticism of any government, including Israel's, and discrimination against Jewish students. He has been sharing his testimony with young people through the March of the Living for nearly three decades, participating in the annual walk from Auschwitz to Birkenau for the 22nd time last April.

The letter, distributed on September 1st, the anniversary of the start of World War II, is being disseminated by various organizations including the World Union of Jewish Students, the Jewish Agency, the World Zionist Organization, IAC on Campus, and Students Supporting Israel. Leipciger concluded his message by encouraging Jewish youth to deepen their historical knowledge, build alliances, and oppose all forms of discrimination, stating, "The future of Jewish life is in your hands. Carry it unapologetically, with compassion and with strength."