"It was a powerful message we delivered today to our fellow students here at Rutgers, as well as to all people who will hear about this rally, that we all stand in solidarity with the Israeli people, as well as all people who desire and work for true peace," commented Jessica Loren, student president of Chabad House at Rutgers. "We stand side by side with all Jews on campus, as well as the many decent and supportive students from all walks of life and religions who also attended."
According to Hillel’s Israel Chair, and rally organizer Alex Zeldin, “The response from the general student body on campus is very positive, and students have expressed interest in more 'street programs' that will enable them to show solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people.”
Rutgers Sophomore and Chabad Minyan Director Joshua Herzfeld, who led the entire crowd in the recitation of a chapter of Tehillim (Psalms) on behalf of the people of Israel, commented at the gathering, "the mitzvahs and good deeds that we are doing here today, and the saying of this Tehillim is behalf of the people of Israel with a special prayer for the success and safety our Holy Land's brave soldiers, the chayalim of the IDF." More than twenty students put on Tefillin, and many more expressed their willingness to become more involved in Jewish and pro-Israel activities on campus.
Matt Montel, a Rutgers Junior, added, "Unlike normal gatherings where people just get together and hear a lot of speeches, this one was very unique because it encouraged each attendee to actually do something for Israel, whether it was for the boys putting on Tefillin, or the girls getting a Shabbat Candlestick set, or all of us saying the psalm, it was interactive, and I felt like I really participated in something special and made a difference."
One student participant noted "how special it was that all the Jewish groups, including Chabad House, Hillel, and RJX came together is such a short amount of time, and in the middle of the day! I hope our unity will bring us victory and Moshiach now."
Chabad House also held a massive prayer vigil at the beginning of Shabbat, when so many students were gathered together. “Before Kiddush, Chabad’s Student Leadership Team and Rabbi Goodman led the entire crowds of over 250 students in the saying of Tehillim,” added Josh Roth, Chabad’s student Vice President, “and we all said it with joy and confidence that G-d will come through for us, because all we want is what G-d Himself wants, peace.”
4:13 PM in New Brunswick, NJ
Shabbat Ends 5:16 PM
Friday, 6 Dec 2024
Parashat