One year after Oct. 7 attacks, Jewish education has found new life

It’s been 12 months since the worldwide Jewish community was shaken by Hamas’ gruesome attack on Israel, Oct. 7, 2023, which left nearly 1,200 civilians dead.

While Israel continues to war with its adversaries, Jewish families in the United States are fighting a different sort of battle – one for their children and their future.

“One of the most profound truths that emerged from October 7 and its aftermath was the critical importance of Jewish education for our children, as those who spoke up loudest for Israel and the Jewish people were those with proud Jewish identities – identities shaped by a strong Jewish education,” wrote Rabbi Mordechai Shain, leader of a synagogue and school in New Jersey.

“Studies consistently show that children who receive Jewish education are far more likely to feel proud of being Jewish, support Israel, marry another Jew, and lead engaged Jewish lives as adults,” Shain continued. “When a Jewish child grows up loving being Jewish, loving their Jewish brothers and sisters, and loving Hashem [God], they will not be intimidated by protests, hate, or antisemitism.”  

Amid the rise of antisemitism in the last year, more Jewish parents are choosing to send their children to Jewish schools. 

Prizmah, a Jewish education group, has released multiple surveys since last fall indicating increased interest and enrollment in Jewish schools. 

Its latest poll – released in June – represented 100 schools across North America. 

More than half of schools (60%) report enrolling or expecting to enroll new students in the 2024-25 year in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks. 

The most common reasons for parents to change schools were:  

• Antisemitism in public or private schools; 

• Israeli families who moved because of the war; 

• Seeking Jewish community for the next generation; 

• Safety. 

“Jewish day schools and yeshivas are becoming increasingly vital to families seeking supportive communities for their children,” Prizmah concluded. “This trend underscores the resilience and adaptability of Jewish schools and yeshivas and highlights their essential role in fostering Jewish identity and community in challenging times.” 

But such schools aren’t only growing in North America.  

Israeli entrepreneur Uri Poliavich founded the Yael Foundation in 2020 with the goal of fostering Jewish education, particularly in Europe.  

“I grew up missing basic knowledge of Jewish life and tradition,” said Poliavich, who was born in Ukraine. “As an adult, I had more and more meaningful Jewish experiences and started to realize the vital role of education in fostering a sense of Jewish identity. It became clear to me that every Jewish child should have the opportunity to learn about our traditions, holidays, the Hebrew language and more. This is what motivates me.” 

The Yael Foundation is set to issue over $26 million in grants to Jewish schools internationally over the next year. One of its grants will even go toward the revitalization of Scuole Ebraiche di Roma, a 100-year-old school in Rome.  

“Parents and children are seeking out Jewish educational alternatives due to rising antisemitism. Jewish schools need to become centers of excellence, competing with the best non-Jewish schools in their countries or regions, to attract students who will become tomorrow’s Jewish leaders,” Poliavich said of the project.  

Rabbi Shain feels similarly. 

“This year, may all Jewish children be given the opportunity to learn the beauty of their heritage and understand their role as light-bearers in a world that is broken and in need of repair,” he says. “October 7 visibly showed us that the world needs Jewish education, and the time to make it happen is now.”