At Oak Park High School, the Jewish Student Union club is a place where people of all backgrounds are welcome to come learn about Judaism and develop a sense of community on campus. 

“Our club is not just comprised of learning about Judaism,” JSU President Oren Hekmatjah said. “It’s also about creating a strong community in a time of intense conflict.”

The intense global conflict regarding the Israel-Gaza war has been linked to antisemitism abroad that has spread to the United States. JSU existed long before Oct. 7 and serves as a club charged with building solidarity, understanding and tolerance within the OPHS community. As antisemitism continues to make headlines, the JSU remains as a symbol of hope and strength, ensuring that Jewish students at OPHS have a strong sense of community and belonging.

“It is important especially now that people understand what Judaism is all about,” JSU Vice President Max Accortt said. “Coming to JSU meetings is a great way to get to know the community, talk to well-studied rabbis, and get a deeper understanding of what Judaism is.”

Between Oct. 7 2023 and September 2024, over 10,000 antisemitic incidents were reported in the nation. This is a significant increase from the 3,325 incidents recorded in 2022. This represents the highest number of such incidents in a 12-month period since the Anti-Defamation League began tracking them in 1979, as reported by CNN. While nationwide reports of antisemitism increase, membership at JSU has continued to stay strong.

The JSU club at OPHS is not just for people who actively observe Judaism, it also serves as an educational forum. 

“Our club meetings consist of our rabbi who helps direct slideshows to learn about Judaism,” Hekmatjah said. “We also play fun games like Jeopardy where we test our knowledge of things like different prayers, mitzvahs, traditions and Jewish cuisine.”

JSU meets every Tuesday at Lunch in room F-1. For more information, you can contact the president, Hekmatjah, at [email protected].