As a Jewish teen with a cultural background that includes Liberian, Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Ethiopian, Cuban and Venezuelan roots, I have always embraced my diverse heritage. Though my parents came from different backgrounds, they instilled in my sister and me the importance of preserving our traditions, sharing them with the world and helping people do the same. However, I found this difficult to do. Growing up Jewish and mixed-race, I often felt apart from others because not many shared my unique identity. However, I found my place with the StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Interns.
Created in 2012, the StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship selects and trains hundreds of student leaders from hundreds of high schools throughout North America each year, to educate about Israel and to combat antisemitism. It is a year-long program for 11th and 12th graders who want to make a positive impact in their schools and communities while inspiring others.
In August, I joined hundreds of Leventhal Interns in Los Angeles for the training conference. For five days, I was immersed in education about Israel. I gained a better understanding of Zionism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, historical accounts and world issues. I’ve never encountered so much information on so many different topics. My focus was sharper than ever before; I couldn’t stop writing, even when my hands began to hurt. I found something I was truly passionate about and had the opportunity to share it with others. I met more people like me, felt heard and truly felt like I fit in. I was finally in my element.
From the moment I checked in, I knew I belonged. I was excited to learn, ready to take action and prepared to lead. We had breakout sessions with our well-informed SWU regional managers including Danielle Pinto, who represents Florida. Nothing was out of our reach; all these resources were right in front of us and the most welcoming people to support us. Every issue found a solution, no question went unanswered and every concern was addressed. We were able to grow in such a positive environment, something I had never experienced before.
Together, we discovered our shared passion to educate. We learned how to effectively converse with people who have conflicting ideas with understanding, compassion and conscientiousness. This transformative experience not only deepened my knowledge of my heritage and the challenges we face, but also inspired me to continue standing up for what I believe.
I also discovered the powerful impact teens can have on the world. We built up our leadership skills and were inspired to pave our own paths, utilizing our communication and networking abilities to effect positive change. We learned how to create and run interactive and educational programs that people are eager to participate in, learn from and return to. We heard about the various departments and resources SWU has to offer, including its legal team.
I first heard about the Leventhal Internship when I was searching for ways to become involved in my community. I strive to create positive change and to always speak up for those who are not heard. As a person of color with a diverse background, I fight against oppression. I know what it feels like to be judged because of my identity. I can’t change, hide or shy away from who I am or what I look like, but I can be kind and help educate others.
My first experience with antisemitism occurred in middle school. Someone I thought was my friend said we couldn’t be friends because I am Jewish. Later, she admitted she still wanted to be friends in secret because I didn’t fit the stereotype her parents described. This was insulting and left me perplexed, but I shrugged it off because I had never encountered prejudice. Another girl remarked that she “didn’t know people of my kind could be so nice.” I didn’t understand what she meant. My mom advised me to just be nice and accept that some people are simply ignorant. I continued with my life, not giving much thought to these incidents.
Now, as a high schooler studying on a university campus, I encounter antisemitism frequently. Swastikas were posted on university walls stating that “Ye (Kanye West) is right,” and a student shouting this through a microphone. I was overwhelmed with fear and anger, confused and unsure how to react. I wanted to confront the individual, tell him that my Holocaust-survivor great-grandparents and my rich heritage are integral parts of my identity, but I was afraid of getting hurt or escalating the situation. Thankfully, a friend confronted him. I am grateful to her. At that moment, I realized I needed to learn how to deal with situations like this and stand strong without fear or hesitation.
With the knowledge and skills I gained and the friends I made at the SWU HS Conference, and recognizing that I am supported by and part of a community, I feel confident that I can handle antisemitic situations properly and help others do the same. No one should have to be afraid at their school or on their campus.
Morgan Rodriquez is a junior at S. Henderson University School at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) High School. She is majoring in Philosophy and Business Management with a minor in Psychology.