Make The Promise

March 28, 2024

Combating campus antisemitism: A call for decisive action in America’s universities

In an era when antisemitism has reemerged with a vengeance on college campuses across America, the need for action has never been more urgent. As Jewish students face an onslaught of hate — from overt acts of aggression to insidious anti-Israel rhetoric — it’s clear that our identity is under siege.

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March 13, 2024

Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon named president of World Mizrachi, after role unfilled since 2022

Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, a leading figure in Israel’s national-religious community, has been named the next nasi, or president, of the religious-Zionist World Mizrachi Movement, ending nearly two years of the post being vacant.

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March 12, 2024

AEPi Equips Students to Combat Antisemitism on Campus

Last month in Atlanta, Alpha Epsilon Pi held its annual Leven Leadership Institute for current and rising AEPi student leaders. Nearly 100 undergraduate student leaders were hand-picked and invited to the three-day conference with the opportunity to meet, interact and learn from AEPi alumni who have gone on to become leaders in their fields and in their Jewish communities.

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March 11, 2024

Jewish Philanthropy Podcast
Topic: Comedy & Philanthropy

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York’s vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs.

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March 11, 2024

Jewish Youth Promise Hits Milestone With Over 20,000 Promises: Ushering In A New Era Of Jewish Engagement And Identity

ATLANTA (March 11, 2024) — The Jewish Youth Promise (JYP), a pioneering effort to strengthen ties between Jewish youth organizations and their alums, announced today that it has surpassed its 20,000th youth promiser.

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December 14, 2023

Empowering The Next Generation: The Jewish Youth Pledge Welcomes its 18,000th Ambassador

In a milestone moment for the Jewish continuity, The Jewish Youth Pledge (JYP) celebrates the induction of its 18,000th “Chai” Jewish Youth Pledge Ambassador, Camila Besprosvan, the President of Students Supporting Israel at Loyola Marymount University.

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December 6, 2023

The Jewish Youth Pledge Welcomes Its 18,000th Ambassador

In a milestone moment for the Jewish continuity, The Jewish Youth Pledge (JYP) celebrates the induction of its 18,000th “Chai” Jewish Youth Pledge Ambassador, Camila Besprosvan the President of Students Supporting Israel at Loyola Marymount University.

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Jewish News, September 29, 2023

Local teens sign pledge to be active Jewish adults

Scottsdale resident Jordanna Schreck, 16, wrote a pledge that she will remain an active and productive member of the Jewish community well past her years as a leader in Shapiro B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG) and Mountain Region BBYO.

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Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, August 30, 2023

Students Take Pledge to Honor Jewish Heritage

Ethan Baritz of Blue Bell wrote a pledge to stay proud of his Jewish heritage and uphold the traditions that he started keeping since joining BBYO. Every two years, the Wissahickon High School junior will receive a text to remind him of his promise.

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JLife-NJ-Logo-1

Jlife Heart of New Jersey, July 1, 2023

Jewish Youth Pledge

Ben Goldstein made a written pledge to maintain his strong ties to the Jewish community after he ages out of his regional BBYO post. Every two years, this eleventh grader at Marlboro High School will receive a text to remind him of his promise. Every five years, a letter will arrive to nudge him if he needs it.

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JewishTimes, June 22, 2023

Through Jewish Youth Pledge, Young Jews Make Commitment to Community

Seth Krosin, 18, of Pikesville made a written pledge to help future generations of Jewish teens experience the same opportunities that he had in BBYO and other Jewish charities.

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JewishStandard, June 22, 2023

The Jewish Youth Pledge: Teens make a commitment to enrich their adult identities

Rachel Katoni of South Orange, 16, wrote a pledge to practice Judaism by lighting candles and getting challah every Shabbat, incorporating “the small Jewish things that will make a huge difference throughout my life,” she said.

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Prizmah, June 8, 2023

The Jewish Youth Pledge: A Lasting Legacy Of Jewish Identity, Heritage, And Connection

Imagine receiving a letter from your younger self, reminding you of your day school experiences, your dreams and aspirations for the future, and the connections that shaped your life while reinforcing your deep-rooted Jewish identity.

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JMORE – Baltimore Jewish Living, June 5, 2023

Maryland Native Eli West Among the Young Adults to Sign the Jewish Youth Pledge

Bethesda resident Eli West, 18, is among the young adults who recently signed The Jewish Youth Pledge, a new effort by The Jewish Future Pledge to strengthen ties between Jewish youth organizations and their alums.

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Southern New England Jewish Ledger, May 21, 2023

Jewish Future Pledge Launches Jewish Youth Pledge Initiative To Inspire The Next Generation of Jewish Leaders

The Jewish Future Pledge has unveiled the launch of The Jewish Youth Pledge, a pioneering effort to strengthen ties between Jewish youth organizations and their alums. This innovative approach, which incorporates self-reflective letters stored in a time capsule, has already captured hearts and minds during its soft launch phase.

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Washington Jewish Week, May 18, 2023

Meet the Next Jewish Leaders. They Guarantee It.

The signed commitments from Jewish youth now number 13,200 across North America and Israel. The promises are part of an organized movement called Jewish Youth Pledge.

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Atlanta Jewish Times, May 10, 2023

Jewish Future Pledge Spawns Youth Pledge Initiative

A new initiative of the Jewish Future Pledge involving Jewish youth organizations takes an innovative approach to the challenge of keeping teens and young adults connected to Judaism and fostering a lasting commitment to Jewish values and community.

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PR Newswire, May 2, 2023

Reviving Jewish Identity: The Jewish Youth Pledge Sparks a Cultural Renaissance

The Jewish Future Pledge (JFP) proudly unveiled the launch of The Jewish Youth Pledge (JYP), a pioneering effort to strengthen ties between Jewish youth organizations and their alums. This innovative approach, which incorporates self-reflective letters stored in a time capsule, has already captured hearts and minds during its soft launch phase.

MORE >

The_Atlanta_Jewish_Times_Logo

Atlanta Jewish Times, July 28, 2022

Davis Academy Partners with Jewish Youth Pledge

The Alfred and Adele Davis Academy recently became the first Jewish day school to partner with the Jewish Youth Pledge, the entirety of the school’s graduating class having committed to participate in the program.

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JNS, February 22, 2022

Jewish Youth Pledge celebrates milestone 5,500+ pledges

Today, the Jewish Youth Pledge—a global initiative that asks Jewish teens and young adults, ages 13 to 24, to commit to strengthening the Jewish community throughout their lifetime—announced that it has surpassed 5,500 pledges and is releasing a digital Time Capsule and turnkey educational program for its partners.

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Debbie Campbell’s career as a marketing professional spans over three decades. Well-known and highly regarded in the retail, hospitality, franchising, and non-profit industry, she has played a leadership role in developing highly successful brands, and fully integrated marketing and advertising programs, and service cultures.

Most recently, Campbell, served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Georgia Aquarium, a 501(c)3, responsible for driving attendance, as well as creating and expanding the revenue streams. Prior to Georgia Aquarium, Campbell served as vice president of marketing and branding for Foot Solutions, Inc.

Previously, Campbell served as senior vice president of marketing for Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. She was a key player in this start-up company and served as a member of the USFS Operating Committee, USFS Executive Committee, and key liaison to two Franchise Advisory Councils.

Campbell is a graduate of Emory University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing. She holds a Master of Business Administration in management from Georgia State University.

Prior to joining the Jewish Future Pledge team, Jenna worked at Jerusalem U as a Distribution Associate and Writer.  She has worked for many Jewish organizations in her professional life including the Anti-Defamation League, United Jewish Appeal, and Aish International.  Jenna is dedicated to Jewish causes, animal welfare and the environment. 

She received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts.  She currently lives in Denver with her husband and children.

Mark Silberman is the Chair of the Board of the Jewish Future PROMISE. He is the former president of Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, Georgia and former national board member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), where he served on the North American Camping (NAC), budget, and business practices committees. 

He is the former Chair of the Board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, has served on the Board of Trustees for the past eight years, was the campaign chair in 2017, and has served on numerous Federation committees. 

Mark is on the ex-board of JFNA and serves on the board of Jewish Family & Career Services, Hillel’s of Georgia, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, and the Alliance Theatre. He has been a primary funder and advocate of PJ Library and Jewish Camping in the Atlanta community. Additionally, Mark is a national board member of the Foundation for Jewish Camping.

Mark holds a BA from American University and lives in Atlanta with his wife Linda. The couple has four grown children and six grandchildren.

Before coming to Jewish Future PROMISE, Hadara has had a varied career in both the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds. She has been an entrepreneur, building Jan Micolle, a successful women’s clothing manufacturing company that sold to major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s.

As vice president of distribution and a co-producer at Imagination Productions, an independent documentary film company with a focus on the Jewish world, Hadara placed their films with services like Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.

Hadara also served as vice president of partnerships at OpenDor Media and brought their Israeli history content to a diverse group of religious, educational, civic, and governmental organizations throughout North America.

Hadara is a community leader and innovator.  She co-founded Chaver L’Chayel and helped establish the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Atlanta, where she also served as a board member for seven years.

Josh is an experienced non-profit professional, having most recently served as a Regional Director at BBYO. Additionally, he has experience working in retail management, high end luxury sales, and customer service.

A native of Herndon, VA, Josh is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Hillel. Post college, Josh spent a year living in Israel as a participant on Masa’s Israel Teaching Fellows program, then gained practical life skills while traveling the world.

Josh loves great food experiences, spending time with family and friends and helping build a strong Jewish future.

 

Mark Silberman is a partner and co-owner of Refrigiwear, the world’s leader in cold weather industrial work clothing and accessories. The company, nearing its 65th year, has now welcomed 3rd generation of family members into the workplace. 

Mark is a past president of Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, Georgia, as well as a past national board member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), where he served on the North American Camping (NAC) committee, budget committee, and business practices committee. He is currently the chair of the board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and has served on the Board of Trustees for the past 8 years, as well as the campaign chair in 2017 and on numerous Federation committees. Mark also serves on the nation JFNA board.

Mark also serves on the board of Hillel’s of Ga.  Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and the Alliance Theatre. Mark has been a primary funder and advocate of PJ Library and Jewish Camping in the Atlanta community. Mark is a national board member of the Foundation for Jewish Camping.

Mark holds a BA from American University and lives in Atlanta with his wife Linda. They have four grown children and six grandchildren.

Before coming to Jewish Future PROMISE, Hadara has had a varied career in both the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds. She has been an entrepreneur, building Jan Micolle, a successful women’s clothing manufacturing company that sold to major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s.

As vice president of distribution and a co-producer at Imagination Productions, an independent documentary film company with a focus on the Jewish world, Hadara placed their films with services like Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.

Hadara also served as vice president of partnerships at OpenDor Media and brought their Israeli history content to a diverse group of religious, educational, civic, and governmental organizations throughout North America.

Hadara is a community leader and innovator.  She co-founded Chaver L’Chayel and helped establish the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Atlanta, where she also served as a board member for seven years.

Josh is an experienced non-profit professional, having most recently served as a Regional Director at BBYO. Additionally, he has experience working in retail management, high end luxury sales, and customer service.

A native of Herndon, VA, Josh is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Hillel. Post college, Josh spent a year living in Israel as a participant on Masa’s Israel Teaching Fellows program, then gained practical life skills while traveling the world.

Josh loves great food experiences, spending time with family and friends and helping build a strong Jewish future.

 

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive and visionary philanthropist. Inspired by Warren Buffet’s and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge, Mike founded the Jewish Future PROMISE to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism.

Mr. Leven currently serves on the boards of AEPi Fraternity Foundation; HERSHA Hospitality Trust; Honorary board member of Birthright Israel Foundation; Trustee Hadassah College of Jerusalem and The Marcus Foundation.

Professionally, Mike ended his tenure in 2019 as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Georgia Aquarium to devote more time to charitable endeavors like the Jewish Future PROMISE. In the past, he has served as president and chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the chairman and chief executive officer of US Franchise Systems, the president and chief operating officer of Holiday Inn Worldwide, and the president of Days Inn of America.

Mr. Leven is a co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), an organization that has more than 19,000 members owning more than 40,000 hotels.

Mike is the author of Can’t Do It Yourself: How Commitment to Others Leads to Personal Prosperity, which shares his roadmap to personal and professional success, ending each chapter with a lesson to live by in business and life.

Before coming to Jewish Future PROMISE, Hadara has had a varied career in both the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds. She has been an entrepreneur, building Jan Micolle, a successful women’s clothing manufacturing company that sold to major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s.

As vice president of distribution and a co-producer at Imagination Productions, an independent documentary film company with a focus on the Jewish world, Hadara placed their films with services like Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.

Hadara also served as vice president of partnerships at OpenDor Media and brought their Israeli history content to a diverse group of religious, educational, civic, and governmental organizations throughout North America.

Hadara is a community leader and innovator.  She co-founded Chaver L’Chayel and helped establish the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Atlanta, where she also served as a board member for seven years.

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive and visionary philanthropist. Inspired by Warren Buffet’s and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge, Mike founded the Jewish Future PROMISE to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism.

Mr. Leven currently serves on the boards of AEPi Fraternity Foundation; HERSHA Hospitality Trust; Honorary board member of Birthright Israel Foundation; Trustee Hadassah College of Jerusalem and The Marcus Foundation.

Professionally, Mike ended his tenure in 2019 as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Georgia Aquarium to devote more time to charitable endeavors like the Jewish Future PROMISE. In the past, he has served as president and chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the chairman and chief executive officer of US Franchise Systems, the president and chief operating officer of Holiday Inn Worldwide, and the president of Days Inn of America.

Mr. Leven is a co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), an organization that has more than 19,000 members owning more than 40,000 hotels.

Mike is the author of Can’t Do It Yourself: How Commitment to Others Leads to Personal Prosperity, which shares his roadmap to personal and professional success, ending each chapter with a lesson to live by in business and life.

Josh is an experienced non-profit professional, having most recently served as a Regional Director at BBYO. Additionally, he has experience working in retail management, high end luxury sales, and customer service.

A native of Herndon, VA, Josh is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Hillel. Post college, Josh spent a year living in Israel as a participant on Masa’s Israel Teaching Fellows program, then gained practical life skills while traveling the world.

Josh loves great food experiences, spending time with family and friends and helping build a strong Jewish future.

 

Nadav Alkoby has established a career in public relations, having previously worked with Alpha Epsilon Pi and Zionist Organization of America. Additionally, he worked on political campaigns in Florida and Alabama for United States Senators and members of Congress. A native of Miami, Florida, Nadav attended Florida Atlantic University and earned a B.A. in Political Science with a focus on Middle East Politics.

Nadav owes his deep passion for Israel to his family roots in the Holy Land and his religious faith. One of the values of the Torah most important to him is love thy neighbor, and he spends much of his free time volunteering within his community.

Most recently, Nadav was instrumental in the Surfside Champlain Tower collapse recovery efforts. He volunteered by preparing and handing out meals to first-responders, comforted survivors and victims’ families, and coordinating the distribution of donations. When not pursuing his passion for the Jewish Community, Nadav enjoys seeking adventure at National Parks. 

Yanna Angel, originally from Israel, is a former Contact Personnel/Case Manager – Sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces. Angel has a strong background in customer success, having worked most recently with Engaged Media, a WebMD Company. Dedicated to serving others in the non-profit sector, Angel previously worked for the Jewish Family & Career Services as their case manager focused on Holocaust Survivors, The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN, and with the Consulate General of Israel.

Angel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management from Sapir Academic College in Israel.

Mark Silberman is a partner and co-owner of Refrigiwear, the world’s leader in cold weather industrial work clothing and accessories. The company, nearing its 65th year, has now welcomed 3rd generation of family members into the workplace. 

Mark is a past president of Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, Georgia, as well as a past national board member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), where he served on the North American Camping (NAC) committee, budget committee, and business practices committee. He is currently the chair of the board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and has served on the Board of Trustees for the past 8 years, as well as the campaign chair in 2017 and on numerous Federation committees. Mark also serves on the nation JFNA board.

Mark also serves on the board of Hillel’s of Ga.  Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and the Alliance Theatre. Mark has been a primary funder and advocate of PJ Library and Jewish Camping in the Atlanta community. Mark is a national board member of the Foundation for Jewish Camping.

Mark holds a BA from American University and lives in Atlanta with his wife Linda. They have four grown children and six grandchildren.

Prior to joining the Jewish Future Pledge team, Jenna worked at Jerusalem U as a Distribution Associate and Writer.  She has worked for many Jewish organizations in her professional life including the Anti-Defamation League, United Jewish Appeal, and Aish International.  Jenna is dedicated to Jewish causes, animal welfare and the environment. 

She received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts.  She currently lives in Denver with her husband and children.

Josh is an experienced non-profit professional, having most recently served as a Regional Director at BBYO. Additionally, he has experience working in retail management, high end luxury sales, and customer service.

A native of Herndon, VA, Josh is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Hillel. Post college, Josh spent a year living in Israel as a participant on Masa’s Israel Teaching Fellows program, then gained practical life skills while traveling the world.

Josh loves great food experiences, spending time with family and friends and helping build a strong Jewish future.

 

Mark Silberman is the Chair of the Board of the Jewish Future promise. He is the former president of Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, Georgia and former national board member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), where he served on the North American Camping (NAC), budget, and business practices committees. 

He is the former Chair of the Board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, has served on the Board of Trustees for the past eight years, was the campaign chair in 2017, and has served on numerous Federation committees. 

Mark is on the ex-board of JFNA and serves on the board of Jewish Family & Career Services, Hillel’s of Georgia, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, and the Alliance Theatre. He has been a primary funder and advocate of PJ Library and Jewish Camping in the Atlanta community. Additionally, Mark is a national board member of the Foundation for Jewish Camping.

Mark holds a BA from American University and lives in Atlanta with his wife Linda. The couple has four grown children and six grandchildren.

Before coming to Jewish Future PROMISE, Hadara has had a varied career in both the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds. She has been an entrepreneur, building Jan Micolle, a successful women’s clothing manufacturing company that sold to major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s.

As vice president of distribution and a co-producer at Imagination Productions, an independent documentary film company with a focus on the Jewish world, Hadara placed their films with services like Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.

Hadara also served as vice president of partnerships at OpenDor Media and brought their Israeli history content to a diverse group of religious, educational, civic, and governmental organizations throughout North America.

Hadara is a community leader and innovator.  She co-founded Chaver L’Chayel and helped establish the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Atlanta, where she also served as a board member for seven years.

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive and visionary philanthropist. Inspired by Warren Buffet’s and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge, Mike founded the Jewish Future PROMISE to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism.

Mr. Leven currently serves on the boards of AEPi Fraternity Foundation; HERSHA Hospitality Trust; Honorary board member of Birthright Israel Foundation; Trustee Hadassah College of Jerusalem and The Marcus Foundation.

Professionally, Mike ended his tenure in 2019 as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Georgia Aquarium to devote more time to charitable endeavors like the Jewish Future PROMISE. In the past, he has served as president and chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the chairman and chief executive officer of US Franchise Systems, the president and chief operating officer of Holiday Inn Worldwide, and the president of Days Inn of America.

Mr. Leven is a co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), an organization that has more than 19,000 members owning more than 40,000 hotels.

Mike is the author of Can’t Do It Yourself: How Commitment to Others Leads to Personal Prosperity, which shares his roadmap to personal and professional success, ending each chapter with a lesson to live by in business and life.