Ilana Boyer of Whitfield School
For Ilana Boyer, antisemitism is very real. From comments directed to her personally to watching celebrities use their platforms to showcase hate, it’s something she has to deal with on a daily basis. It’s also something she’s dedicated to fighting. The recent Whitfield graduate taught her peers about Jewish culture through Student to Student, a classroom-based program that brings Jewish and non-Jewish high school students together.
How have you personally been affected by antisemitism?
My first experience was in fifth grade when my school received a bomb threat. Recently, there has definitely been an increase in both personal and high profile examples, with huge celebrities like Kanye West and Kyrie Irving spreading misinformation and hate to their millions of followers. It’s been a big issue. I’ve dealt with people making comments or assumptions based on stereotypes and even had someone perform a Nazi salute at me.
Why did you get involved with Student to Student?
My older brother participated, so I knew I would be involved once I started my junior year. I thought it was important to share my religion and culture with my peers, so I could demonstrate both the similarities of my experiences as a teen and the differences of being a Jewish person in St. Louis. With Student to Student, I have been able to educate others in the community, which I think is one of the keys to stopping antisemitism. Letting teens share their own personal experiences is a cool thing. It’s different from having a teacher present a lesson on the Holocaust or antisemitism.
Can you tell me a little about the work you’ve done with the program?
We go into classrooms to present on topics like the Jewish life cycle, Shabbat or the Holocaust. We usually are in a group of four, with each of the branches of Judaism represented. We cover things you wouldn’t learn from just a lecture, such as family traditions or personal experiences. We take it deeper and start a conversation.
What are your plans for the fall?
I’m going to Elon University in North Carolina. I plan on studying sports management with a minor in photography. I’m very excited about having new experiences and meeting new people. There is a vibrant Jewish community there, so I’m also looking forward to getting involved and continuing to grow as a Jewish person.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love photography. It’s something I’ve picked up in high school and look forward to continuing. Sport photography is really my favorite. I just love watching sports—whatever the sport, if there’s a game on, I’m probably watching. I also really love playing with my dog, Monty.