Magen David is a symbol of resilience and pride

(JTA) — I grew up in Berlin, escaped terror in Israel and was called ‘disgusting Jew’ in New York. Where can I feel safe?

As a high school student in Berlin during Israel’s 2021 war in Gaza, with anti-Israel protests sweeping the city, I made a promise to myself: I would wear my Star of David necklace proudly, never hiding who I am, no matter what.

It took three years and a move back to New York City before I had to reconsider that decision.

I was returning home from an empowering three days at the AIPAC Campaign Training Institute in Washington, D.C., where I felt a deep sense of belonging an...