“The project started at Tulane Hillel and has been replicated on a number of campuses,” said Rebecca Ezersky, assistant director for student engagement at Jewish Life at Duke.

More than 50 people showed up for the opening reception last Tuesday on the second floor of the Bryan Center. The exhibit will be on display at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life until May 30 in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, which began May 1.

The student interviews took place in January and February. The photos were taken in March by Duke student photographers Jacob Whatley and Chris Vilorio.

Ezersky said staff at the Tulane Hillel contacted her to see if Duke was interested in the project.

“I was super excited about the idea,” Ezersky said. “I love art. It’s one of my passions. The idea of being able to combine that with my desire to want everyone at Duke to feel welcome, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.”

The exhibit celebrates the many ways to be Jewish, challenges stereotypes, and encourages viewers to reconsider what it looks like to be a young Jewish adult today, according to the project website.

The participating students arrived at Duke from varied and diverse backgrounds. There’s the intersectionality of Latino, African and Middle Eastern heritage. They arrived on campus from all over the world, with one running away from war. Another participant traces her family’s roots back to the Babylonian exile.

“I am a Russian Jew who fled the war,” said Egor Sergeev, one of the students pictured in the exhibit. He added that his Duke experience has helped him explore his Jewish identity. “Perhaps most significantly, I've come to value Judaism's tradition of questioning. Being naturally critical of organized religion, I came to really appreciate the idea of ‘wrestling with God’ in search for a direct relationship with one's spirituality.”

One common denominator of the student narratives is the university’s welcoming environment, where Jewish students are encouraged to embrace their heritage and identities by attending Jewish events, celebrating holidays, going to Shabbat dinners and participating in programs hosted by the Jewish Life at Duke.      

“Finding what many would call ‘family’ through Jewish Life at Duke has been the most precious part of my Duke experience — a journey from darkness into light,” said student Harper de Andrade.

Danielle Lipp

“My identity as a Zimbabwean Jewish person has been shaped by both sides of my family. … The most challenging aspect has been reconciling my self-perception with others' views. At Duke, I had validating moments when other students of color would approach me: ‘I know you're mixed. What are you mixed with?’ Such questions weren't offensive—they were validating. They saw me for who I am.” 

Shira Shasha

“My family’s story embodies Jewish resilience. My mother’s family fled Iraq for Israel after exile. My father’s journey was more complex. His family fled from Iraq, but instead of going to Israel right away, they went to Iran, where he even attended a Christian school for a little bit because you weren’t allowed to be Jewish. Finally, they arrived in Israel. Despite persecution, their Jewish identity only strengthened — a legacy I inherited.” 

Sami Jinich

“When you’re a product of different ethnicities, cultures and languages, you create something that’s both a blend of your heritage and entirely unique — neither wholly one thing nor another, but something new altogether.”

Reena Kagan

”Well, am I actually Jewish?” (My parents’) response shaped my understanding of identity in ways that still resonate: ‘We’ve raised you Jewish,’ they said, ‘and if you want to identify as Jewish, you can be Jewish.’ This simple affirmation was profoundly empowering.”

Ethan Kothavale

“The complexity of my Jewish identity is further shaped by my biracial background. My mom is Ashkenazi Jewish, and my dad is Indian. Growing up between these two cultures, I've often felt trapped in the middle and sometimes not culturally enough to relate to either side.”

Hanna Lavi

“Being Jewish isn‘t a checkbox but a living inheritance that can be one of the most rewarding special experiences. If you choose. And I choose this identity every day.”