Taya Allardice grew up in Cape Town and matriculated from Herzlia High School in 2023. She attended the University of Cape Town for one term before discovering she had been accepted to the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia. She has just finished her first year at Penn where she is studying Political Science, History and Legal Studies. Now, during her summer break, she is interning with the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies.
Before I left for Philadelphia, the warm wishes I received were often tinged with concern. It felt like there was a largely apprehensive view about being Jewish on an American college campus. It’s no secret that antisemitism has been on the rise worldwide, and many
students in the U.S. have felt this shift acutely.
We hear troubling news of vandalism, protests and encampments. Friends and community members wondered how I’d navigate this, trying to live openly and safely as a young Jew.
Since October 7th, there has been an increased sense of caution instilled in young Jews.We’ve become far more self-conscious about how expressing our identity might be received in certain contexts. For me, this shift coincided with my transition from a Jewish day school in Cape Town to a multicultural college campus – first briefly at the University of Cape Town, and now at the University of Pennsylvania. While this caution is not unwarranted, I think it’s important to continue seeking acceptance, rather than downplaying our Judaism. So, whether out of hopeful optimism or naivety, I was excited to connect with people from all over the world. I also took comfort in the belief that any challenges I faced on campus might lead to further growth.
I am grateful to have had a largely positive experience being a Jewish student at Penn – a place where people are encouraged to openly and respectfully express their varied perspectives. I felt welcomed by various communities – the strong Jewish one, but also the international one. Despite many international students being at risk with recent statements about international students and immigration policy changes, Penn has also shown unwavering support for and commitment to its global student body.
What I didn’t expect were the small things that would be difficult. In Cape Town, I’m used to walking into a Jewish event and instantly recognising people. It’s a sense of belonging and familiarity that I had taken for granted. Whereas playing ‘Jewish geography’ with students from New York or Florida, for example, was far less fruitful. On the flip side, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and, with each event, I began to see more familiar faces.
Celebrating chagim far from home was another challenge I hadn’t fully anticipated. I felt homesick this Pesach, knowing my family would be celebrating together. It meant so much to join one of Hillel’s rabbis’ seders in their home.
For me, Hillel has been a wonderful source of support, whether it’s a rabbi reaching out for coffee, or an upperclassman encouraging me to get involved. At Penn, Hillel is one of several Jewish groups on campus that build support and community – from Chabad and Meor to the Orthodox Community at Penn (OCP), the Reform Jewish Community (RJC), and even the Jewish a cappella group Shabbatones and the Penn Israel Public Affairs Committee (PIPAC). These groups organise countless events every week, like Shabbat dinners, guest speakers, outings to sports games, and even concerts like Hillel’s ‘Yallapalooza’.And just like Jean’s at UCT, the Kosher dining hall is a favourite among Jewish and non-Jewish students alike.
I’ve loved getting to share parts of my culture and identity with new friends – whether taste-testing matzah during Pesach, sharing my experiences in our Jewish youth movements, or explaining why I have a mezuzah on my door frame (which Hillel provides for new Jewish students moving in!). I value the strong Jewish presence on campus, but I also see the importance of building connections beyond that circle. Making Judaism more personal to non-Jewish people is a simple but important way to spread tolerance and celebration of Judaism, and diversity at large.
Reflecting on a whirlwind first year, I encourage young Jews to pursue opportunities where their beliefs might be challenged – you might find community in unexpected places or learn to better advocate for yourself. At the same time, I feel lucky to attend a university where Jewish life is protected. As my friend Lilla, attending NYU, so eloquently put it, “I’m lucky to go to a college that genuinely respects and cares about the well-being of its Jewish pupils – and I do think that is a big privilege”.
This summer break, I’m interning with the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies – which protects Jewish life in the Western Cape – and I’m excited to immerse myself in the full range of their work. I hope to take this experience back to campus, equipped with new tools to better advocate for myself and our community. ●
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