ATLANTA, Georgia (Press Release) — At a time when Jewish teens and young adults are navigating unprecedented pressure on campuses and online, more than 10,000 Jewish youth have made a public commitment to Jewish identity and continuity through a growing partnership between the Jewish Youth Promise (JYP) and Olami, a global Jewish outreach organization engaging students and young professionals worldwide.
The milestone underscores a broader trend: rather than disengaging, Jewish youth are actively seeking meaningful ways to affirm who they are, where they belong, and how they see their future as Jews, especially in today’s social and cultural climate.
Through Olami’s extensive campus and community network, thousands of Jewish teens and young adults ages 13–24 are invited to take part in the Jewish Youth Promise, a guided experience in which participants write a personal pledge reflecting their values, identity, and commitment to Jewish life. Each promise is preserved in a secure digital time capsule and revisited over time, transforming a single moment of reflection into an ongoing relationship with Jewish identity.
“Having 10,000 Olami students sign the Jewish Youth Promise is far more than a milestone- it is a powerful statement about the strength and commitment of the next generation,” said Miriam Tennenbaum, VP of Development at Olami.
“These young Jewish leaders are not only inspired; they are stepping forward with pride, responsibility, and a deep sense of ownership over the future of our people. At Olami, we see every day how meaningful engagement translates into lasting Jewish identity, and this partnership with the Jewish Youth promise transforms inspiration into tangible commitment.”
“Signing the Jewish Youth Promise made me think about Judaism not just as something I inherit, but something I’m responsible for carrying forward,” said Alan Mashensky, a participating student at New York University. It’s a reminder that the traditions, values, and community that shaped me don’t stop with my generation—we have a role in strengthening them for the future. The pledge is a commitment to stay connected, to contribute, and to make sure the next chapter of the Jewish story is just as strong as the ones that came before it.”
“This milestone represents far more than a number,” said Hadara Ishak, President of the Jewish Youth Promise. “Each promise is a statement of pride, resilience, and responsibility. Reaching 10,000 promisers through Olami shows that young Jews are not pulling away, they’re stepping forward, looking for meaning, belonging, and a way to stand up and be counted.”
“Young Jews are not disengaging, they’re looking for meaning, ownership, and a way to stand up and be counted,” added Josh Schalk, Executive Director of the Jewish Youth Promise.
The Jewish Youth Promise is offered as a free, complementary platform for organizations seeking meaningful ways to engage Jewish youth ages 13-24 and strengthen long-term alumni relationships. Through immersive reflection and ongoing connection, JYP helps young Jews see themselves as vital links in the chain of Jewish history and future leadership.
Click here for more information about the Jewish Youth Promise or to take the promise.
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Preceding provided by Jewish Youth Promise.