Rabbi Mendy and Rivka Minkowitz, Directors of Chabad at Elon University in North Carolina, did not expect their September 4th Shabbat dinner to attract the response it did. An Israeli soldier was scheduled to speak about his experiences serving in Israel since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.
However, publicity for the event sparked an organized campaign of antisemitic harassment. The family's personal information was circulated online, threatening messages poured in, and protesters planned to descend on the small town. Concerned police, suggested canceling the gathering.
But the Minkowitzes were determined not to allow intimidation to silence Jewish life. Working closely with law enforcement and security officials, they quietly moved the dinner to another location. Students received the new details shortly before Shabbat.
Rather than staying away, more than 100 students came. What could have become an evening of fear was transformed into a powerful expression of Jewish unity. They sang, celebrated Shabbat and drew strength from one another. Some were moved to tears.
The experience, Rabbi Minkowitz said, left the students with a renewed sense of Jewish pride. Coming just before Rosh Hashanah, that inspiration was already having an impact, with increased interest in High Holiday services and programs.