Antisemitism is on the rise across the United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents rose 36% from 2021 to 2022.

High schoolers in New York are continuing to learn more about the problem, hearing from the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors to make sure their stories never fade.

Jewish leaders in Broome County say Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson remains influential after his passing for several reasons.

Schneerson established thousands of institutions around the world, emphasizing the “infinite potential within every individual and the profound value of even the smallest good deed.”

His birthday, coming up in April, is honored by Education and Sharing Day.

“He took his birthday and he turned it into a day to contribute to society and to encourage all of mankind to think about what it is that we're doing here in this world and how we're making this world a better place, specifically with a focus, an emphasis, on education,” said Rabbi Levi Slonim of Chabad of Binghamton.

Schneerson received the Congressional Gold Medal and in his honor, Education and Sharing Day was established in the United States in 1978. The rabbi believed education shouldn’t be limited to gaining knowledge, but also should build character and values.

“Rabbi articulated that education must be informed by a knowledge of a higher power. By studying the sciences, I not only look to understand the concepts as they are, but also to recognize the innate godliness within the subjects," said Tobi Katz, a student at Binghamton University.

While positivity is the goal, negativity isn’t being ignored.

When it comes to antisemitism, Jewish leaders say security and safety protocols should be enhanced, but there is another way to stand up.

“The greatest response to antisemitism is to intensify our efforts to express our tradition, our pride in our tradition, our pride and our identity even more. Because that's what antisemitism wants to do. It wants to shut us down, shut people down from expressing their belief and the positive message of their tradition of their religion. So I think the greatest response is just intensify our efforts," said Slonim.

Education and Sharing Day takes place on April 2. People are encouraged to reflect on how to enhance moral and ethical education and to accomplish more acts of kindness.