Olami

What happens when an Israeli Reserve Captain steps into a room of Jewish students and young professionals in North America to share his story? Something remarkable. In this powerful op-ed for The Algemeiner, Yhoni Skariszewski, an Olami alum from Israel, reflects on his journey with Olami Mentorship from the frontlines of the IDF to the heart of campus communities, sparking conversations about Jewish identity, resilience, and pride. As antisemitism rises and Jewish students face increasing challenges, his story is a call to action for us all: to inspire our youth to reclaim their confidence, to be unapologetically Jewish, to speak out and stand firm against hate. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/d3CYN_Nt Let’s reignite Jewish pride—one story at a time. #Olami #JewishPride #JewishIdentity #CampusLife #Inspiration

Jewish unity is creating momentum for real change. In his latest article, Olami’s EVP, David Markowitz, explains how the solidarity of Jewish students is inspiring influential leaders to take a stand and secure legal victories against antisemitism on campus. Through Olami’s daily efforts to engage, empower and support students; whether its through Jewish classes, shabbat meals or our Zero Tolerance Against Antisemitism campaign, we are strengthening this unity and empowering students to be the spark for impactful, systemic change. Read more about how togetherness translates to tangible progress. https://lnkd.in/dB3uCgkt #JewishUnity #CampusChange #ZeroTolerance #Olami #JewishPride #TogetherAgainstHate

“We need to tell the stories of the superpowers of the amazing people who were killed on Oct. 7” explained David Markowitz of Olami. Our legacies initiative started after our team attended the shiva house of Niv Raviv, an Olami-Nefesh Yehudi student who was murdered on October 7. Listening to her family, our team realized the profound impact she had had on other people's lives. With Niv's family, we hosted a study session, based on the values that Niv lived by. It was so powerful that we expanded it and began learning about the legacies of each of our students killed in the war, and creating booklets about the traits that they embodied. Today, we have mentors and mentees around the world using these booklets to help them grow, to emulate these character traits and to bring more good into the world. Read more about it: https://lnkd.in/dG2jTy7G #fightingthegoodfight #olamimentorship #legacies

One year after the October 7 massacre, our Olami communities around the world gathered to remember, to mourn, to console, to provide strength, to commit to never again, and to a stronger Jewish future. Many of them, alongside their mentors, learned about the lives of Olami students who were killed, the beautiful traits they embodied and how they could perpetuate their memories. This beautiful initiative is thanks to the Michael and Andrea Leven Family Foundation. May we be able to create light from the darkness. Praying for the safe return of our 101 hostages, soldiers and evacuees. Jewish Future Promise #bringthemhomenow #mentorship #legacies #october7

Since October 7, our Olami educators and staff have been flooded with students asking questions - important ones and seeking answers - solid ones. Questions about Hasbara and how to answer on Israel. Questions about their personal safety and security. Questions about their Jewish identity. Olami is helping our 60,000+ students answer these questions through: Individual study Dynamic programming Social media training and Israel advocacy Volunteer missions to Israel Mental health coaching Krav Maga Call center for reporting antisemitic incidents (in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League) Student leadership training Across all of our programs, we have seen a dramatic increase in attendance, as our events, workshops and classes serve to strengthen students' identity and connection to a Jewish community. Olami’s year round programming provides an enjoyable and educational space to explore Judaism through philosophy classes, weekend retreats, 1-1 meetings with educators, mentor matches, community programs, and more. Increased engagement means more events, more staff, and more programs - and translates into educated, invested, passionate and committed Jewish young adults, ensuring a strong and vibrant Jewish future. Sponsor a Jewish student in 2024 for $500 and be a part of our life-changing mission. www.olami.org/emergency Together, we can give young Jews the confidence and the tools to hold their heads high, to speak with knowledge and pride, and to be active members of Jewish communities on their campuses and as they progress beyond.