For 27 years, the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) has brought Jewish university students from across the country to Canberra for the Political Training Seminar (PTS). The program is the cornerstone of our leadership calendar, providing current and emerging Jewish leaders the chance to meet directly with political leaders, journalists and diplomats.

For many it is the first time walking the halls of Parliament and meeting these leaders. PTS provides an unparalleled opportunity for our young leaders to undertake advocacy directly with our national political leaders. Far more than a photo opportunity, it allows students to share their experiences as young Jewish Australians and ask extremely difficult and at times uncomfortable questions.

These experiences matter. They give Jewish students the platform to directly convey to decision makers what is important to us, and to address issues of anti-Israeli and other forms of antisemitism on university campuses and in the wider community.

This year, the urgency was greater. Since October 7, the reality for Jewish students has changed. While the encampments are gone, antisemitism has escalated, misinformation spreads unchecked online, and too often conversations collapse into hostility, leaving little space for dialogue and critical thinking. Many students arrive at PTS carrying the weight of intimidation, exhaustion and isolation. A look at the comment sections on politicians’ posts about PTS reveals how deeply antisemitism persists in the Australian community.

Campus today can feel like everyone is reciting a script. Instead of debate and discussion, ideas and slogans are too often shouted across classrooms and campus lawns. Jewish students in particular are often pushed into corners, expected to defend themselves constantly, or worse, silenced altogether.