by Danny Sanders,
Board Member for the World Union of Jewish Students
Atlanta, GA, USA
This text was published first in the printed version issue EDA III (September 2025). Published online 27th of October 2025.
2025 has felt like a year of renewal for the World Union of Jewish Students. Not just in the obvious, public-facing ways, but also in our quieter, more internal work that often goes unseen. Of course, there were campaigns, advocacy efforts, and moments where we proudly raised our voice. But just as important were our long meetings, thoughtful conversations and hard decisions behind the scenes, all of which have helped us lay a strong foundation for the future. Moving into our new office was just one small but symbolic step in that process. A physical shift that mirrored the changes happening within our organisation.
Over the past months, much of our focus has been on rethinking how we operate, and how we connect with the students and unions we serve. Together, our executive and board have worked to update our external communication, better clarifying how membership works, and streamlining our decision-making process. We spent a lot of time asking ourselves what kind of organization we want to be and what it takes to be more transparent, more accessible, and what we can do to become more responsive to the reality of Jewish student life today. It wasn’t always the most glamorous work, but it was necessary, and we are proud of what we’ve built together so far.
This year also brought changes in leadership. We elected a new president and welcomed new board members, who have brought so much energy, care, and dedication. At the same time, we made sure to hold onto the knowledge and experience of those who have been guiding WUJS through challenging times. There’s something very special about seeing this combination in action, the trust in new leadership alongside the stability of those who’ve walked this path before. It continues to remind us that WUJS is not just about who’s in charge, it’s about what we’re building together.
However, what has moved us most this year has been the resilience and connection between our students. Across borders and time zones, we’ve seen how Jewish students show up for one another in moments of joy, and especially in moments of pain. The reality is, this year hasn’t been easy. Many students have faced antisemitism, isolation, and hostility, both online and in person. And yet, they continue to speak out, to support each other, and to make space for community. Our role at WUJS has been to listen, to be present, and to remind them that they are not alone and that their voices matter.
Looking ahead, we feel hopeful. The work we’ve done this year has strengthened our foundation in a real and lasting way. We’re more connected, more stable, and more prepared to meet our ever changing world and the challenges it brings. There’s still much to do, but the path we’re on is a good one.
Join us at our Congress, January 4-8, 2026
