After both older siblings faced campus Jew-hatred, Seattle-area teen opts for Jewish high school

Max Bassli, a 14-year-old from Bellevue, Washington, chose to attend Northwest Yeshiva High School, an Orthodox Jewish day school, to avoid the antisemitism his older siblings experienced. His sister faced hostility at Sammamish High School after October 7, with friends posting "death to Israel" content, which was a "big change" and "horrible antisemitic phrases" she encountered daily. Meanwhile, his brother encountered anti-Israel encampments at the University of Washington. Bassli's decision was influenced by his family's history of fleeing antisemitism and his desire for a strong education, though adjusting to the religious schedule required acclimation. Rabbi Ben Aaronson, head of Northwest Yeshiva High School, emphasized that a Jewish high school offers more than just refuge, providing a demanding dual curriculum that encourages students to grapple with complex questions. The Bellevue School District and the University of Washington stated their commitment to ensuring safe and respectful environments for all students.