Strength in Unity:  CGB Reflections on the WUJS Congress | AJC's Global Student Voices

By: Revati Campbell (Scotland, University of Glasgow ‘25, CGB Member, WUJS Head of Programming) & Abigail Schcolnik (Uruguay, University of Miami ‘25, CGB Member) 

As members of AJC’s Campus Global Board (CGB), an inclusive advisory board for AJC on student-related issues, we were honored to represent American Jewish Committee (AJC) at the annual World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) Congress, which took place in Berlin, Germany, from December 28, 2024, to January 2, 2025.

From the first morning, it was evident that the presence of our nine-member delegation would have a notable impact. We were warmly welcomed and then eagerly invited into key conversations with the World Jewish Congress (WJC), the WUJS Impact Fellowship, and the Union Leaders Policy Forum. 

AJC’s visible support showcased its commitment to empowering student leaders. The real-time on-the-ground guidance from AJC’s Director of Campus Affairs, Moshe Lencer, helped us confidently navigate the Congress and make the most of every opportunity to engage meaningfully with student leaders, diplomats, and activists from around the world. These moments demonstrated not only the strength of our CGB delegation, but also AJC’s global influence and trusted leadership.

Two of our own, Revati Campbell (UJS) and Jonathan Iadarola (AUJS), were elected to the WUJS board, joining current WUJS Treasurer (and CGB Member) Shani Aharon. Additionally, Abigail Schcolnik was invited to serve on the Steering Committee for the General Assembly's debate and elections. These achievements reflect the leadership and credibility that AJC student leaders bring to the international stage.

Here are our top five takeaways from our week in Berlin at the WUJS Congress:

1. A Shared Mission Across Borders
   Despite our diverse backgrounds, we found unity in a common purpose: advocating for the Jewish people and building vibrant communities worldwide. This solidarity strengthened our commitment to collective action.
2. The Power and Responsibility of Democracy
   Participating in the WUJS elections reminded us of the responsibility that comes with leadership. The Congress’s democratic structure, rooted in Jewish values, highlighted the importance of representation and active engagement in shaping our future.
3. Bringing Light to Darkness
   A particularly moving moment was lighting the menorah at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, once a symbol of exclusion but now reclaimed as a site of Jewish pride and resilience. It was a powerful reminder of our history and our strength.
4. Lessons to Bring Home
   Engaging with global Jewish leaders gave us new perspectives, tools, and strategies that we are already integrating into our advocacy on campus. The knowledge exchange was as inspiring as it was practical.
5. The Bittersweet Balance of Jewish Joy and Remembrance
   While the Congress was filled with celebration, we also marked the ongoing war in Israel and the hostages still in captivity. Sessions led by the National Union of Israeli Students (NUIS), including VR experiences and testimonies from hostage families, reminded us of the weight of this moment—and our shared responsibility.

AJC’s impact throughout the WUJS Congress was undeniable. Many attendees said they were inspired by AJC’s global efforts and support for student leaders, and expressed interest in getting more involved.

Spending New Year's with young Jewish leaders from around the world set an inspiring tone for the start of 2025, renewing our shared sense of purpose. We gained valuable insights about how Jewish unions operate in other countries, which gave us  fresh perspectives and strategies that we can apply within our communities. And we saw firsthand how our local and regional efforts in the U.S. are part of a much larger global movement that has the potential to profoundly impact the Jewish people for generations to come.

WUJS Congress was a testament to the resilience, passion, and unity of Jewish student leaders worldwide. It cemented the importance of young people and the student community in the fight against antisemitism, and reassured us that the future of the Jewish people is in good hands - ours! As members of AJC’s Campus Global Board, we feel honoured to be a part of such an important board and to take on significant responsibility. We left feeling empowered by - and accountable to - our peers, our communities, and the generations that will follow. As we return to our respective campuses, we carry with us the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the unwavering commitment to strengthening Jewish life wherever we go.

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