Over the past year, Jewish students across American college campuses have faced an unprecedented wave of anti-Semitism. What once may have been subtle bias or passive exclusion has become overt hostility: vandalized Hillel buildings, acts and threats of violence against Jewish students and demonstrations glorifying terrorism—all too often met with silence, or worse, from university administrators.

I understand how isolating it can feel for Jewish students to walk into a classroom where Israel is demonized, where Jewish history is distorted and where moral relativism is used to excuse the inexcusable. I also know how powerful it is when young Jews feel proud of who they are—when they are given tools to stand tall, speak clearly and connect deeply to their heritage. I see that strength every day at Touro University.

Broad, Strategic, Global

As the president of a university deeply committed to Jewish life and values, I cannot remain indifferent. And as a lifelong Religious Zionist, I know that our response must extend beyond the boundaries of any single campus. It must be broad, strategic and global. That is why I am urging every eligible Jewish American to vote in the upcoming World Zionist Congress (WZC) election.

You may ask: What does this have to do with anti-Semitism on American college campuses? The answer is: More than most realize.

The WZC, often called the “Parliament of the Jewish People,” determines how billions of dollars in funding are allocated through major Jewish and Israel-based institutions such as the Jewish Agency, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, the World Zionist Organization and Keren Hayesod. These organizations fund global Jewish education, youth programs, aliyah-inspiring initiatives—and, crucially, campus outreach and support services for Jewish students abroad.

23 Parties

It is tempting to view this election as distant or symbolic. But it is neither. This is the only democratic process in which diaspora Jews can influence global Jewish priorities and the outcome will determine the trajectory of policy, education and outreach for the next five years.

There are 23 different parties in the election, but only one in my view supports Observant Judaism and engages in a full-throated support for Zionism, values that I hold deeply. Just as in any election with a large number of complex issues, voting for a party does not mean that I agree with every viewpoint. But for a number of reasons, the Orthodox Israel Coalition has my full support and I am proud to be part of Slate 5.