This year, September 11, 2026, marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11. In keeping with JLIC’s annual tradition, Jewish college students across America paid tribute to the thousands of first responders who mobilized on 9/11, with deliveries of breakfast and coffee to local emergency service stations.
Columbia University and Barnard College students thanking FDNY Firefighters.
Twenty-five years after the devastation of 9/11, JLIC found itself at a meaningful generational turning point. As college students, the majority of this year’s participants had no living memory of the attack. In a generation where the bravery of first responders can be taken for granted, it became imperative to double down on both our efforts to recognize the heroism of our first responders as well as to educate a new generation. To fund the project, campuses collected donations of $9.11 from participants who were then invited to deliver the breakfasts purchased with these funds to fire, police, and EMT stations.
Aside from showing Hakarat Hatov, gratitude, to those that protect the community, these visits allowed JLIC participants to spread the light during times of division through positive interactions. This year, 9/11 fell out on Erev Rosh Hashana, giving JLIC participants the opportunity to start the year on the right foot. Taking a moment to recognize the service of others, especially those who risk their lives to protect us, gave students an opportunity to put their Jewish values of gratitude and Chesed into practice beyond their immediate Jewish communities, while building meaningful relationships with the broader communities in which they live.
Washington University students show gratitude to local emergency service workers
Rabbi Joe Wolfson, co-director of JLIC Tel Aviv, and founder of this initiative, noted that his favorite aspect of this project is “the conversations that take place between the students and the first responders.” Students with JLIC NYU/Downtown visited FDNY at EMS Station 4, many of whose former members played a large role on 9/11. There, they had the opportunity to meet an Israeli first responder, who gave the students a tour of the Special Vehicle Units. The visit concluded with an exchange of “Shana Tova!” between the students and first responders.
NYU Downtown students receive a tour of Special Vehicle Units from an Israeli EMT.
Brandeis students visit local policemen (and a very eager dog) with breakfast.
As personal memory of 9/11 fades, JLIC is helping ensure that its memory and lessons don’t fade with it through dialogue and gratitude.
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about JLIC and our programming.