Yasmeen Ohebsion: The Tulane Graduate Who Combats Antisemitism on College Campuses and Beyond

Yasmeen Ohebsion was a normal college student at Tulane University in New Orleans. She would work hard in class and have fun with her friends, which is what college was supposed to be about.

Then, post-October 7, her experience completely shifted.

“As Jewish students, we faced an overwhelming wave of antisemitism on campus,” she told Aish. “Jewish students were harassed, intimidated, and even physically attacked.”

At the time, Yasmeen was co-president of the Movement to Address Antisemitism, which advocated for mandatory antisemitism education for all Tulane students. Post-Oct. 7, her work ramped up, as witnesses reported that pro-Palestinian protestors assaulted Jewish students, and one Jewish student revealed that his nose was broken. As for Yasmeen, a woman yelled at her, “[Expletive] you, Jew!”

Even though Yasmeen met with the university administration three times before graduating, they did not take enough action. She ended up testifying before Congress to expose her university’s failures in protecting Jewish students and then founded her own organization, Our CampUS United, to fight against the hate.

“It’s a student-led movement dedicated to empowering Jewish college students with the knowledge, tools, and community to take action against antisemitism,” she said. “We know that fighting hate on campus can feel overwhelming, so we’ve made it simple: clear, step-by-step guides that help students respond effectively, organize their communities, and create real change with minimal effort and maximum impact. Built by students, for students, Our CampUs United is a space where Jewish students can find support, take action, and strengthen their voices.”

Now, the young organizer is hoping to become a World Zionist Congress delegate through the Aish Ha’Am slate to continue her work – on campuses, and beyond.

Unapologetic, Action-Driven Jewish Leadership

Yasmeen chose to run with Aish Ha’Am because she said she believes in unapologetic, action-driven Jewish leadership, which the slate has.

“We are living in a time when antisemitism is surging worldwide, and we need strong, fearless voices advocating for Jewish people and the state of Israel. Aish Ha’Am is dedicated to these principles, ensuring that Jewish student activists, young professionals, and Zionists everywhere have a seat at the table in shaping our future.”

She calls the slate “bold, proud, and unafraid to stand up for Jewish values and Israel without compromise. We don’t just talk about fighting antisemitism; we take real action. Our slate is built on the foundation of grassroots activism. This slate is full of movers and shakers, taking it upon ourselves to identify the gaps in Jewish life and pro-Israel activism and fight to fill them in.”

If Yasmeen is elected to become a delegate, she wants to make sure that the concerns of Jewish students as well as young Zionists are not just heard but also acted upon.

“I will fight to ensure that global Jewish organizations prioritize combatting antisemitism on campuses, strengthen Jewish identity in the diaspora, and reinforce unwavering support for Israel,” she said. “We are not just fighting a physical war for Israel’s survival; we are fighting a war of hearts and minds. I want to mobilize public figures, influencers, and leaders who have a platform to stand with us and amplify the truth.”

Yasmeen’s Advice for Jewish Students on Campus

Yasmeen is now an expert on fighting antisemitism on campus and standing up as a proud Jewish student. Her advice for other students includes knowing your rights, building strong Jewish communities, and never staying silent when antisemitism occurs. They cannot run away.

“Whether a college has a culture of antisemitism or not should not determine where Jewish students go,” she said. “We cannot back down or allow fear to dictate where we choose to learn and grow. Antisemites would love nothing more than for us to retreat, to feel unwelcome and leave, but this is not who we are. We must stand tall, be visible, and unapologetically claim our place.”

On a practical level, this means not shying away from your Jewish identity, because that is how antisemites win. Instead, she encourages students to embrace it.

“Be unapologetically Jewish,” Yasmeen said. “Never shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Antisemitism thrives when Jewish people give in to pressure to hide who they are. Wear your Magen David, tell your friends about your Judaism and connection to Israel, celebrate Jewish holidays openly and with joy, and never let anyone make you feel like your Jewish identity is something to downplay.”

Go to www.aish.com/vote/aishcom to learn more about the Aish Ha’am movement and to register to stay informed about the campaign. You can also find an opportunity on the website to become an ambassador, actively joining in our efforts.

The Jewish People need Aish’s voice. And Aish needs YOUR voice! Together we can accomplish what might seem impossible.

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