The European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS) is the umbrella organization representing over 160,000 Jewish students across 36 countries in Europe. Founded in 1978 by young leaders who believed in a future for Jewish life in a united Europe, EUJS was born in the spirit of empowerment, solidarity, and resilience.
From its beginnings in the aftermath of the Shoah to its evolution into a vital voice in European civil society, EUJS provides young Jews with a platform to connect, express their identity, and advocate for their rights. As an independent, pluralistic, and democratic student-led organization, EUJS has become a powerful network fostering leadership, unity, and action across borders.
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EUJS equips Jewish students with the tools and support to challenge antisemitism, promote diversity, and stand up for justice. Through training, campaigns, and international advocacy, we enable youth voices to shape policies, influence public discourse, and drive change on campuses, in communities, and within European institutions
Learn about the Structure of EUJS and how we function
Operates and implements
The EUJS Office Team currently consists of the President, Executive Director, Programme Officer, Communications Officer, Policy Officer, Deputy Director, and two volunteers, all based in Brussels.
The President is the face of EUJS and is responsible for setting the direction of the organisation, its goals and long term objectives.
The role of the Executive Director is to oversee all activities of the organisation and, therefore, works very closely with the President.
Political lines and face of EUJS
The Board is made up of seven members and a Treasurer, all volunteers from around Europe, each with a representative role based on a selection of portfolios they are responsible for.
The President serves as the head of the Board and each Board Member is considered a Vice President of the Union.
Both the Board members and the President are nominated by a Member Union and are democratically elected at EUJS’ General Assembly at Summer U every two years.
Fund and support
Our work is based on a set of strong relationships with youth-oriented institutions, both Jewish and non-Jewish, and with institutions that believe in the power of youth as a vehicle for positive change.
Together, we work towards increasing sensitivity to the needs and abilities of youth across Europe and a greater focus on youth issues and youth involvement.
We have a long history of jewish Student Activism
1978 – The Beginning: In Grenoble, the idea to empower Jewish students and build community cohesion was born.
One hundred and fifty European Jewish Students developed and approved a constitution and created a plan of action meant to cover all aspects of modern European Jewish student life.
In 1984, EUJS hosted its first Summer University in the UK—an ambitious educational and cultural gathering that combined seminars with social connection. It marked the beginning of what would become the largest annual event for Jewish students in Europe, drawing hundreds of participants each year and fostering a strong pan-European community.
Throughout the 1980s, EUJS worked to assert its independence from established institutions, often facing political and financial challenges. Despite this, the union expanded its influence, launched groundbreaking initiatives, and built strategic alliances with Jewish and non-Jewish partners alike. Its relocation to Brussels signaled a growing alignment with European civil society.
By establishing a permanent office in Brussels, EUJS professionalized its operations and reinforced its presence at the heart of Europe. This move enabled the union to engage more actively with European institutions and secure vital funding, all while maintaining its autonomy and democratic ethos.
EUJS is a dynamic, youth-led force shaping the future of Jewish life in Europe. With a seat at international forums and a steadfast commitment to pluralism and activism, EUJS continues to inspire new generations of leaders. In the face of rising antisemitism and shifting global landscapes, it remains a beacon of unity, resilience, and hope.
Discover more about us and our Member Unions
