My parents were politically active as well. Apart from public school, we went to Jewish schools that were secular and socialist. Not religious, but Jewish cultural. They believed that we should learn Jewish history, experience and culture. Yes, I think so.
Jewish culture emphasizes social justice.
It is an important part of being a moral person. You are responsible for everybody. While I don't always feel optimistic about the mechanisms for change, to be a witness and not act feels like something against myself personally and myself as a member of society. Acting can be disappointing, but not as much as being passive. To be human is to act, you must act.