With most of our students now headed home for winter break, our community can breathe a collective sigh of relief from the most tense semester on campus JGO has ever experienced. We’re using this pause to reflect on Fall 2023 and update you on our organization’s activities and achievements over these difficult few months. By now everyone knows about the antisemitism running wild on campus since October 7. But it would be a mistake to end the story of Fall 2023 there. There are some major silver linings: Our programs have been more packed than ever. Students are more energized than ever. And, almost every week new grad campuses have been knocking on our door requesting to join JGO. These campuses are feeling the pressure and need the resources we have built for them. Many simply want to be a part of our national movement of thousands of students, alumni, attorneys and executives who have stepped up to offer their solidarity and help – especially when they feel abandoned by their schools. We have been challenged as an organization like never before, but thanks to the unwavering support of all of you – our dedicated staff, student volunteers, and friends – I think we met that challenge. Here are some quick stats from Fall 2023:
- We now power Jewish community at 137 graduate campuses around North America
- We ran 79 Israel/antisemitism focused programs post-October 7th
- We organized 136 Shabbat/Holiday programs
- We trained and mentored 394 student leaders
- We executed 322 total events
- An impressive 522 student and alumni donated to our campaign
- 6,229 individual students came through our doors
- 8,505 in total attendance!
Specific highlights:
- Our Miller National Partners Summit held in Washington DC at the start of the school year provided valuable training for 90+ student leaders who flew in from across the country, and empowered them to be effective advocates on campus. Guest presenters included William Daroff (CEO, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations), Aaron Keyak (Deputy Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, State Dept.), and Michelle Magner (Deputy Director, ADL), who shared deep insights and practical skills for Jewish leadership – which our students then put to work post-October 7.
- Following the Hamas attacks, JGO went into overdrive and doubled down on programming, engagement, advocacy, and activism in support of our students. Beyond regular programming, we held dozens of vigils, town hall meetings, and info sessions; made countless guidance calls to students; rallied alumni, donors and administrators to address challenges faced by students; raised thousands for relief efforts; provided thought leadership; and partnered on broad legal and mental health initiatives supporting students. And, several students are currently in Israel on a volunteering mission in partnership between JGO and Birthright’s Onward Experience.
For a full report on how JGO is taking action, visit thejgsi.org/antisemitism.
- Our Crowdfunding Campaign exceeded its goal to raise a record $1.4 million by 124%, from a record 776 donors – including 521 student and alumni donors who collectively raised $215,388 toward our campaign!
- Looking ahead to Spring 2024, we’re excited for Philadelphia and DC Connect Mixers; Redstone Family JELCON events in LA, NYC, and Palo Alto; new Sloan Fellowship cohorts in LA, NYC, and online, and Shabbat Across America in LA, NYC, Chicago, Philly, & DC on January 19.
There’s still time to support JGO students before the ball drops! As of today we have collected $1,673,273 toward our 2023-24 budget of $2.3 million (73%). Please consider JGO in your year-end giving! Safe and easy link to our campaign: charidy.com/jgsi We are living through a tough time for the Jewish People, and those of us on campus witness it every day. But we remain immensely grateful and hopeful for the future – thanks to your continued support which enables JGO to make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of Jewish grads.
