Izabella Tabarovsky delivers a powerful speech on what today’s Jewish students can learn from the Soviet refuseniks who stood up to one of history’s most oppressive regimes. Drawing on her groundbreaking book Be a Refusenik, she shares practical strategies to help young American Jews stay strong, protect their identity, and lead with courage on today’s challenging campuses.
Be a Refusenik is a timely and empowering guide for Jewish students navigating intimidation, antisemitism, and pressure to abandon key parts of their identity on modern campuses. Drawing parallels to the Soviet-era refuseniks—young Jews who bravely resisted a regime determined to erase their culture—Izabella Tabarovsky shows how their courage and resilience offer vital lessons today. By weaving together historical insight and contemporary challenges, the book provides practical strategies and inspiration for a new generation of Jewish students and activists committed to standing strong, embracing their identity, and shaping a vibrant Jewish future.
