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The strongest partnerships aren't built during moments of crisis. They're built long before those moments arrive.

For years, the Jewish Grad Organization (JGO) has partnered with the Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) at Rutgers Law School, helping student leaders build a vibrant Jewish community through campus programming, leadership mentorship, and professional connections.

When campus life changed after October 7, that longstanding partnership became even more important.

As concerns about antisemitism and anti-Israel activity grew, JLSA leaders, including Vice President Tomas Pollak, found themselves navigating an increasingly difficult campus environment. Students raised concerns about inflammatory comments from faculty, programming they felt contributed to a hostile climate, disruptions of Jewish student events, and a broader sense that Jewish students were not being adequately supported or protected.

Because JGO was already a trusted partner, we were able to respond immediately.

Our advocacy team worked closely with student leaders to understand their concerns, met with Rutgers Law administrators, connected students with legal resources through partner organizations, and continued providing opportunities for students to share their experiences. At the same time, we remained committed to strengthening Jewish life on campus, ensuring students had spaces to gather, celebrate, and find community even during challenging times.

That support extended beyond Rutgers.

Last month, JGO hosted Beyond the Headlines, a webinar for lay leaders and key stakeholders exploring the unique challenges Jewish grad students face when confronting antisemitism. Unlike many undergraduates, grad students often depend on faculty advisors, research supervisors, recommendation letters, internships, and future employers, making it especially difficult to speak publicly about their experiences.

Tomas joined the webinar as a student panelist, courageously sharing his firsthand experience and helping others better understand the realities Jewish grad students are facing today. His story underscored why investing in grad student leadership and advocacy matters, not only during moments of crisis, but every day.

For Tomas, JGO's impact has extended well beyond advocacy.

"JGO has been an integral part of my grad school experience, creating an essential community that I am proud to be a part of, and providing professional opportunities which have helped me grow like no other opportunity has."

At JGO, we believe supporting Jewish grad students means more than responding when challenges arise. It means building trusted relationships, strengthening communities, and ensuring students know they have partners who will stand with them every step of the way.

That's exactly what we've been proud to do at Rutgers Law, and on campuses across North America.

About JGO...

The Jewish Grad Organization is the national movement for Jewish grad students and alumni. Our mission is to foster Jewish community on grad school campuses and to cultivate Jewish identity and leadership among young adults at this critical life stage. Since 2011, JGO has built a network of grassroots Jewish affinity clubs at over 170 graduate campuses across North America, impacting 14,000 unique students a year through more than 948 annual programs. We have empowered a generation of young Jewish leaders and touched the lives of more than 50,000 individuals.

To support JGO's work across campuses in North America, visit gojgo.org/donate.