On September 11, 2024, JLIC marked the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 with its eighth annual campaign to honor first responders. JLIC directors, students, and supporters across the country came together to express their gratitude and appreciation for those who selflessly serve their communities.
This powerful initiative traces its roots back to 2016 when Rabbi Joe Wolfson, together with a student, James Goldberg, started the program when he was running JLIC NYU. Rabbi Wolfson noticed a striking absence of programming or commemoration for the victims of 9/11 on university campuses. Recognizing the importance of remembering this tragic event and honoring those who responded to it, they took action to fill this void.
This year, eleven JLIC communities participated in the event, including Queens College, Brooklyn College, Washington University, Rutgers University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia/Barnard, NYU, UMass, Binghamton University, Cornell, and the Silver Spring Young Professionals. The campaign’s goal was simple yet powerful: collect $9.11 from each participant and use the funds to deliver breakfast to 2,000 first responders.
JLIC directors and students visited multiple first responder locations, including police stations, fire departments, ambulance services, and even campus security teams. These small acts of kindness made a significant impact on the recipients.
At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Rabbi Raffi included a heartfelt note with the breakfast deliveries:
“It is no surprise that our children want to be just like you. You are men and women of valor, of bravery, of every-day, every-hour, courage. You are heroes of body and spirit, and we thank you. From the entire Jewish community of UMass Amherst – Thank You.”
The WashU JLIC Community experienced a particularly memorable visit to the Clayton fire department in Saint Louis. Arriving at 7 am with donuts in hand, they were warmly welcomed by the firefighters. The station, known for its open-door policy, offered the visitors a tour of their trucks. The timing was perfect, as the JLIC group caught the firefighters just before they departed for their 9/11 ceremony.
These interactions highlighted the importance of community engagement and the power of small gestures. By showing up and expressing gratitude, JLIC members strengthened the bonds between first responders and the communities they serve.
As we reflect on this annual event, it’s clear that the impact extends far beyond a single day. JLIC’s 9/11 campaign serves as a reminder that appreciation for our first responders should be ongoing. It demonstrates how small acts of kindness can foster connections, boost morale, and create a sense of unity in our diverse communities.
Through this initiative, JLIC continues to honor the memory of those lost on 9/11 while supporting the brave individuals who stand ready to help others in times of need. What began as Rabbi Wolfson’s response to a lack of campus commemoration has grown into a nationwide movement, bridging the gap between university communities and first responders. As we look forward to future campaigns, we’re reminded that gratitude and support for our first responders is a value that transcends time and brings us all closer together.
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