Mercaz Academy Principal's Message to Students Goes Viral on Social Media

A heartfelt message from Mercaz Academy, an independent Modern Orthodox Jewish elementary school in Plainview, New York, has captured widespread attention across Instagram and Facebook this week. The brief video clip, which has garnered nearly 700,000 views over the last several days, shows Principal Rabbi Kalman Fogel addressing students as they prepare to depart for a school trip.

In the viral footage, Rabbi Fogel reminds the Mercaz Academy students that when they travel into the wider world, they carry the responsibility of representing not only themselves and their families, but also their school, their faith, and the Jewish people as a whole. He reminds them that especially at this time of war in Israel, it is important that they represent Judaism positively, and that their politeness and thoughtful behavior will be remembered as an example of how Jewish children behave by the people they encounter.

This simple message–which Rabbi Fogel has delivered before every trip dating back to before the school went independent–has resonated internationally, with viewers of all religions and across the spectrum of religious observance. Thus far, it has garnered nearly 40,000 likes as well as more than a thousand comments praising Rabbi Fogel’s guidance and the values he instills in his students.

"I am amazed that this message of simple courtesy and personal responsibility that lies at the heart of our everyday lives has resonated with so many,” said Rabbi Fogel. “The speed at which it has traveled and the number of people who have loved it, saved it, and shared it is nothing short of incredible.”