What do young people think about growing up in this strange and unsettling time? With Passover behind us, a time when we should be celebrating freedom — how free do any of us feel? 

Young people have been sharing their thoughts and feelings on this new reality in our essay contest for middle and high school students. Many of the essays are poignant and insightful. All of them help us to understand our future leaders and thinkers in a new way.

Our essay contest is just one of the ways we’re engaging the next generation of American Jewish readers. Jewish teens and young adults deserve news outlets that reflect their identity and voice. If you agree, donate to support The Forward today. 

The young people who are participating in our essay contest are just beginning to engage with the news in adult ways, and we know that we have a responsibility to them to publish the best, most thorough reporting possible.

Being able to understand what’s happening in the world through a Jewish lens, especially during this time of crisis, is one of the most important things we can do for young readers as journalists. 

Youth and young adults deserve news with a wide variety of perspectives. Help make sure they always have those options by making a donation to The Forward.

You can read the submissions to our youth essay contest and see for yourself what our young readers are thinking about. And who knows? Maybe there are a few future Jewish journalists among the entries here!

Thank you for your support,
The Forward