Last night, I spent the evening with a philanthropist friend to catch up over a cold drink. We spoke about business growth, challenges in the family, and of course, the topic brewing on everyone’s minds: Israel. A heated discussion eventually led to talk about distribution of funds.
I support the war in Israel exclusively, I adamantly argued when Steve mentioned his latest contribution to Chabad on Campus. What followed was an interesting conversation, and his commitment to Chabad got me thinking.
We were all drafted on October 7th, Steve repeated over and over again. He went on to explain that there wasn’t just one battlefront in the war against Israel, but two.
In a video that went viral, a soldier, dressed in full gear, got on the screen to make a request of the Jewish community in the U.S. “While my division fights a physical battle on Israel’s border, we are relying on you to fight the spiritual battle for us in the States.”
A spiritual battle, Steve explained, is taking place as we speak. It’s a battle for the future of a Jewish presence for our youth. It’s a fight that can only be won with the support and unity of a larger Jewish community. This is the battle of Jewish students on campuses across the globe.
While world Jewry extends its unrelenting support to our brothers and sisters fighting against Hamas, Jewish students are facing a different type of battle at home in the U.S. Neither victory is more important, and both are equally necessary for a continued Jewish future.
I was convinced. But I had one more question for Steve. What, exactly, was Chabad on Campus doing to fight such a battle on campus?
By that hour, it was quite late in the evening, and it was time to head out. A quick handshake and wishes for success completed the encounter, but my mind was buzzing with activity. Upon returning home, I logged on to my laptop to view some statistics. I visited https://raisethon.com/chabadoncampus to conduct my own research for the mission statement of Chabad on Campus’s fundraiser. What I saw caught me by surprise: campuses across the U.S. fighting for their right to practice Judaism openly… in a country known to be free, in a world that celebrates every religion, in the year of 2023.
I had many more questions, but I had no doubt as to where my next donation would go. I finally understood what Steve was trying to explain. In addition to the funds I allocated toward the war in Israel, it was equally important that my contributions extended to the war against antisemitism in the U.S.
The more I searched, the more I noticed the sacrifices made by the Rabbis, Rebetzins, and their families. Actively putting oneself on the frontlines of such a battle is not just inspiring, it’s heroic in its own right. Some live in distant cities, hundreds upon hundreds of miles away from family and friends. In the darkness of such a difficult reality, Chabad is a ray of light for thousands of students looking for support. It is the proof we need that Judaism will continue to be vibrant and proud, no matter what occurs in the world. And that’s something I want to be part of.
I’m not big on social media, but my colleagues tell me that antisemitism is trending. And while trends come and go, it is you and I who have the power to change the algorithm. The truth is, I have children of my own. When they reach the age of university, I want to ensure a strong Jewish presence for them on campus.
Arm in Arm, 113 campuses join together in the battle for a Jewish future. They are united and steadfast in their goal of victory, replacing hate with unbounding love and Jewish pride.
As Jews, we stand together in the face of adversity. In the last month of 2023 alone, we’ve revealed one of the largest displays of Jewish unity in centuries. How can I pass up the honor to take part in this revolution? Last I checked, there were 14,000 donors on the site. Make it 14,001, because I am joining the forces.
Together, let’s make 2024 even more Jewish than before. Chabad on Campus collectively raised $16.6 million of their $20 million goal. I have no doubt that our unity will bring them to the finish line.
Steve and I are in. Are you?
To support Chabad on Campus, visit https://raisethon.com/chabadoncampus and choose the campus of your choice. Do it for the future of our children! #ArmInArm #StrongTogether
Go Zahava Angster!!