” The A-Team ” brings a message of Jewish unity, strength and Aliyah to students at five Florida universities
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a historic first, Chabad-Lubavitch, the largest Jewish outreach organization in the world, has joined forces with leading Religious Zionist voices to bring a new light to Jewish college campuses across America.
The team includes some of Israel’s most prominent religious influencers: Rabbi Jeremy and Tehila Gimpel, Avi Abelow, Rabbi Aron Sokol and Rabbi Josh Wander. They are joined by Rabbi Danny Cohen, director of Chabad of Hebron and the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s head shaliach (emissary) in the city.
The initiative is the brainchild of Lewis Topper, a longtime supporter of Chabad, a Jewish leader, an Aliyah activist, and a philanthropist. Topper joined the panel on Wednesday night at Florida State University, where he addressed an auditorium packed with Jewish students.
“Things in America are not what they were 30 years ago. Things are not the same as they were three years ago with the current administration,” Topper said. “America is turning against Israel, and the Jews need to wake up, plan their future wisely and make Aliyah.”
After the event, Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel praised Topper’s vision. “I think the combination of Chabad shluchim and Religious Zionist spokesmen is a brilliant combination that the world needs to hear,” Gimpel said. “Each brings a unique message that Jewish students are thirsty to hear. Jewish strength has always been in our unity, and once again Chabad is showing the Jews in exile the way, leading by example.”
Meet the “A-Team”
On social media, the group has become known as “the A-Team.”
“A is for Aliyah,” explained Rabbi Josh Wander. “But the legendary team on TV was a group of misfits who didn’t fit the conventional mold. We don’t fit the conventional mold of Chabad, but the Jews of America need to hear our message now more than ever. Mr Topper and Chabad knkw that.”
During their 10-day tour, the team will speak at five Florida campuses:
- University of Central Florida
- Florida State University
- University of Florida
- University of South Florida
- University of Miami
For the speakers, the tour is about more than politics. “The Redemption is at hand,” said Rabbi Aron Sokol. “Biblical destiny is unfolding in the Land of Israel right now. It’s shaking the world religions that wanted to replace us, but nothing can stop Biblical prophecy and God’s plan from unfolding. What’s happenjng today in Israel is nothing less than the Geulah”
Avi Abelow echoed the call to come home. “We want to invite Jews everywhere to return and resettle our God-given ancestral Jewish homeland,” he said.
