From Campus to Communities: Raleigh Event Highlights Antisemitism

On March 18, 2025, nearly 100 community members united at Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh for Jewish National Fund-USA and Beth Meyer Synagogue’s “Standing Strong,” partnership event, where attendees showed their support for the land and people of Israel and the still-captive hostages, while learning how Jewish National Fund-USA is spearheading rebuilding initiatives in Israel’s North and South.

The event’s keynote speaker was Jewish student activist, Shabbos Kestenbaum. As one of the lead plaintiffs suing Harvard University for religious discrimination, Kestenbaum has become an outspoken voice against Jew-hatred on college campuses. He has testified before a congressional committee and appeared on news outlets to discuss his lawsuit and the vitriol he faced at Harvard for simply being a pro-Israel Jew.

“I have had my learning interrupted by students calling for the globalization of the intifada, sat directly next to classmates who praised Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, been exposed to countless death threats, and perhaps most infamously, had a university president who described calls for Jewish genocide to be ‘context-dependent,’” Kestenbaum said, describing his experiences. “This is the reality of being a Jew at Harvard.”

Local lay leaders also discussed how Jewish National Fund-USA is supporting Israel’s rebuilding efforts post-October 7 (jnf.org/supportisrael). Through the organization’s bold and visionary Build Together plan for Israel’s south and Reimagine plan for the north, Jewish National Fund-USA is partnering with Israelis in the region to repair, rehabilitate, and renovate damaged communities, creating secure, beautiful havens for residents to return home to.

From bomb shelters and resilience centers to quality-of-life projects and critical infrastructure development, Jewish National Fund-USA is addressing the physical and psychological needs of Israelis living on Israel’s northern and southern frontiers.

“Even before October 7, 2023, Jewish National Fund-USA has always been there for Israel, building a stronger, vibrant future for its northern and southern communities,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Director, Southeast Kim Kaplan. “Our circles of impact go beyond rebuilding; every project, initiative, and program supports job creation, community resilience, and economic development.”

For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events in Raleigh, visit jnf.org or contact Kim Kaplan at KKaplan@jnf.org or 615-469-4707 x855.

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About Jewish National Fund-USA

Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist engagement. The organization’s circle of impact extends beyond individual projects, generating a ripple effect that drives population growth and economic development in Israel’s north and south. From developing new communities in the Negev and Galilee to advancing environmental sustainability, supporting people with disabilities, preserving heritage sites, and connecting the next generation to Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic approach ensures every initiative strengthens the fabric of Israeli society. The organization also operates the fully accredited Alexander Muss High School in Israel, offering an immersive study-abroad experience driven by academic excellence. Learn more at jnf.org.