skip to main content
6866c87202422e0a58754896_BBYO IC 2025 - Kandel Archive-2276

As a Jew living in America, witnessing the attacks on Israel left me feeling a profound sense of helplessness. In response, I decided to join my peers in spreading awareness. Considering the platforms available, I crafted a concise yet informative post on Instagram. As expected, the response from my predominantly Jewish circle was heartening. However, what followed was unexpected and jarring. I found myself overwhelmed with pro-Hamas comments from unknown individuals. This intrusion left me baffled, unsure of how my account had even been discovered.

Unfortunately, this experience is not an isolated incident. Numerous larger accounts deal with this issue on a far broader scale; gatherings and vigils have been met with pro-Hamas rallies, and the unsettling presence of pro-Hamas sentiments has become an upsetting murmur within schools and communities.

So what should we do?

Educating ourselves and our peers on the unbiased facts of the attacks, as well as media literacy, is the foundation of combating misinformation online. Accurate information from credible sources must be amplified verbally, through social media, and other digital platforms.

All the while, it is imperative to prioritize well-being and safety in person and online when addressing this topic. Remember never to give out your personal information, and if you encounter any form of harassment, report it to the respective platform.

Every voice matters in the fight for truth and understanding. Together, we can pave the way towards a more informed and educated society. One that stands against hatred and supports peace.

גם זה יעבור ו אמ ישראל חי

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

Explore More Stories

Group of people celebrating on stage
Identity
Parshat Matot-Ma'asei: Finding Meaning Along the Way

Whether you’re heading off to camp, traveling abroad, or trying something new this summer, every experience has the power to shape your story. Matot-Ma'asei reminds us that growth comes from the journeys and the people who share it with us.

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
BBYO Weekly Parsha AZA & BBG
Group of people celebrating on stage
Connection
Tangled Together

How attending a separates at CLTC was one of my most meaningful experiences.

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
Jordi Flome Sandy Springs, Georgia, United States
Group of people celebrating on stage
Connection
The Strings We Take Home

A simple string activity became a powerful reminder that the connections we make during summer programs can leave a lasting impact.

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
Zoey Bart Commack, New York, United States