Make The Promise

We’re very excited to share with you our first newsletter!

This quarterly newsletter is your go-to resource for the latest updates and practical tools to keep your audience engaged, both as active participants and future donors. We’re here to support you as you connect with today’s Jewish youth.

As a valued partner in our network, your feedback matters! To make sure we’re providing content that’s truly useful to your organization, please take a moment to complete the brief survey at the bottom of this newsletter. Your feedback will help inform the content of our future newsletters.

Updates From the Jewish Youth Promise

Josh Schalk Joins the Board of Trustees

We’re excited to share that Josh Schalk, executive director at the Jewish Youth Promise, joined the Member Board of Trustees at the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland this March.

What is the Cost of Complacency?

“The time for warnings is over. Universities that fail to protect their Jewish students must be held accountable, period. If campuses allow hatred to fester, they must be investigated and forced to change.”

Hadara Ishak, president and CEO of the Jewish Youth Promise, recently published an op-ed in JNS about the U.S. Department of Education’s intervention and how universities’ responses to antisemitism impact institutional integrity. Read the full article here!

Sharing What Matters – Things You Should Know

AEPi Shares Major Milestone

AEPi announced that 10,000 fraternity members have signed the Jewish Youth Promise! Now more than ever, it’s imperative to strengthen the Jewish future together. The promises made in this milestone help fulfill our core mission and mark the next generation’s growing dedication to preserving their Jewish legacy and culture. Congratulations to AEPi! Learn more here.

Over 500 BBYO Participants Take Part in the Jewish Youth Promise Time Capsule

The Jewish Youth Promise attended BBYO’s International Conference, guiding participants as they wrote letters to their future selves in the Digital Time Capsule and committed to being active members of the Jewish Community.

StandWithUs International Conference

Last month, the Jewish Youth Promise was proud to be part of the StandWithUs International Conference in Los Angeles, empowering high school and college students to take the next steps in securing a strong Jewish Future. To see more from this conference, check out this video here.

Foundation for Jewish Camp Breaks Enrollment Records

The annual Census Report: State of Jewish Camp 2024 from the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) shows the resilience of Jewish camps as integral spaces for community-building. Data reports enrollment surpassing pre-pandemic levels with a 5% increase from 2023. Learn more here.

Prizmah Enrollment Trends

In a survey of 107 schools, Prizmah reported a 1.3% increase in day school enrollment in 2024-2025 from the previous year. The findings emphasize Jewish schools as safe havens just as much as academic institutions. Read more here.

Resources For Partners

Unlocking New Touchpoints with Parents

Remember to use the Jewish Future Promise as a tool to develop deeper connections with the parents in your community!

The Jewish Future Promise is a commitment to passing down Jewish values, traditions, and charitable giving – encouraging families to dedicate up to 50% of their legacy giving to Jewish causes or Israel. Use the Promise as a touchpoint and opportunity to reengage your community and inspire long-term support for your organization.

Have questions? Reach out to our team directly at [email protected] or click here.

A How-To on Using the Jewish Youth Promise

Interested in learning all the ways you can use the Jewish Youth Promise? Watch this video for a quick overview to learn how you can leverage the Promise to engage past, present, and future participants.

For a more in-depth dive into how camps can use the JYP platform, watch this video here.

Study Shows Teens with Strong Jewish Connection Support Israel

A global study shows teens with Jewish educations who are involved in camps and other programming are more likely to support Israel. The Jewish Youth Promise is just one way we can help our children form emotional connections to our heritage. Learn more about these findings here.

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Debbie Campbell’s career as a marketing professional spans over three decades. Well-known and highly regarded in the retail, hospitality, franchising, and non-profit industry, she has played a leadership role in developing highly successful brands, and fully integrated marketing and advertising programs, and service cultures.

Most recently, Campbell, served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Georgia Aquarium, a 501(c)3, responsible for driving attendance, as well as creating and expanding the revenue streams. Prior to Georgia Aquarium, Campbell served as vice president of marketing and branding for Foot Solutions, Inc.

Previously, Campbell served as senior vice president of marketing for Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. She was a key player in this start-up company and served as a member of the USFS Operating Committee, USFS Executive Committee, and key liaison to two Franchise Advisory Councils.

Campbell is a graduate of Emory University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing. She holds a Master of Business Administration in management from Georgia State University.

Prior to joining the Jewish Future Pledge team, Jenna worked at Jerusalem U as a Distribution Associate and Writer.  She has worked for many Jewish organizations in her professional life including the Anti-Defamation League, United Jewish Appeal, and Aish International.  Jenna is dedicated to Jewish causes, animal welfare and the environment. 

She received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts.  She currently lives in Denver with her husband and children.

Mark Silberman is the Chair of the Board of the Jewish Future PROMISE. He is the former president of Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, Georgia and former national board member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), where he served on the North American Camping (NAC), budget, and business practices committees. 

He is the former Chair of the Board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, has served on the Board of Trustees for the past eight years, was the campaign chair in 2017, and has served on numerous Federation committees. 

Mark is on the ex-board of JFNA and serves on the board of Jewish Family & Career Services, Hillel’s of Georgia, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, and the Alliance Theatre. He has been a primary funder and advocate of PJ Library and Jewish Camping in the Atlanta community. Additionally, Mark is a national board member of the Foundation for Jewish Camping.

Mark holds a BA from American University and lives in Atlanta with his wife Linda. The couple has four grown children and six grandchildren.

Before coming to Jewish Future PROMISE, Hadara has had a varied career in both the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds. She has been an entrepreneur, building Jan Micolle, a successful women’s clothing manufacturing company that sold to major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s.

As vice president of distribution and a co-producer at Imagination Productions, an independent documentary film company with a focus on the Jewish world, Hadara placed their films with services like Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.

Hadara also served as vice president of partnerships at OpenDor Media and brought their Israeli history content to a diverse group of religious, educational, civic, and governmental organizations throughout North America.

Hadara is a community leader and innovator.  She co-founded Chaver L’Chayel and helped establish the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Atlanta, where she also served as a board member for seven years.

Josh is an experienced non-profit professional, having most recently served as a Regional Director at BBYO. Additionally, he has experience working in retail management, high end luxury sales, and customer service.

A native of Herndon, VA, Josh is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Hillel. Post college, Josh spent a year living in Israel as a participant on Masa’s Israel Teaching Fellows program, then gained practical life skills while traveling the world.

Josh loves great food experiences, spending time with family and friends and helping build a strong Jewish future.

 

Mark Silberman is a partner and co-owner of Refrigiwear, the world’s leader in cold weather industrial work clothing and accessories. The company, nearing its 65th year, has now welcomed 3rd generation of family members into the workplace. 

Mark is a past president of Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, Georgia, as well as a past national board member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), where he served on the North American Camping (NAC) committee, budget committee, and business practices committee. He is currently the chair of the board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and has served on the Board of Trustees for the past 8 years, as well as the campaign chair in 2017 and on numerous Federation committees. Mark also serves on the nation JFNA board.

Mark also serves on the board of Hillel’s of Ga.  Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and the Alliance Theatre. Mark has been a primary funder and advocate of PJ Library and Jewish Camping in the Atlanta community. Mark is a national board member of the Foundation for Jewish Camping.

Mark holds a BA from American University and lives in Atlanta with his wife Linda. They have four grown children and six grandchildren.

Before coming to Jewish Future PROMISE, Hadara has had a varied career in both the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds. She has been an entrepreneur, building Jan Micolle, a successful women’s clothing manufacturing company that sold to major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s.

As vice president of distribution and a co-producer at Imagination Productions, an independent documentary film company with a focus on the Jewish world, Hadara placed their films with services like Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.

Hadara also served as vice president of partnerships at OpenDor Media and brought their Israeli history content to a diverse group of religious, educational, civic, and governmental organizations throughout North America.

Hadara is a community leader and innovator.  She co-founded Chaver L’Chayel and helped establish the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Atlanta, where she also served as a board member for seven years.

Josh is an experienced non-profit professional, having most recently served as a Regional Director at BBYO. Additionally, he has experience working in retail management, high end luxury sales, and customer service.

A native of Herndon, VA, Josh is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Hillel. Post college, Josh spent a year living in Israel as a participant on Masa’s Israel Teaching Fellows program, then gained practical life skills while traveling the world.

Josh loves great food experiences, spending time with family and friends and helping build a strong Jewish future.

 

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive and visionary philanthropist. Inspired by Warren Buffet’s and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge, Mike founded the Jewish Future PROMISE to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism.

Mr. Leven currently serves on the boards of AEPi Fraternity Foundation; HERSHA Hospitality Trust; Honorary board member of Birthright Israel Foundation; Trustee Hadassah College of Jerusalem and The Marcus Foundation.

Professionally, Mike ended his tenure in 2019 as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Georgia Aquarium to devote more time to charitable endeavors like the Jewish Future PROMISE. In the past, he has served as president and chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the chairman and chief executive officer of US Franchise Systems, the president and chief operating officer of Holiday Inn Worldwide, and the president of Days Inn of America.

Mr. Leven is a co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), an organization that has more than 19,000 members owning more than 40,000 hotels.

Mike is the author of Can’t Do It Yourself: How Commitment to Others Leads to Personal Prosperity, which shares his roadmap to personal and professional success, ending each chapter with a lesson to live by in business and life.

Before coming to Jewish Future PROMISE, Hadara has had a varied career in both the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds. She has been an entrepreneur, building Jan Micolle, a successful women’s clothing manufacturing company that sold to major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s.

As vice president of distribution and a co-producer at Imagination Productions, an independent documentary film company with a focus on the Jewish world, Hadara placed their films with services like Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.

Hadara also served as vice president of partnerships at OpenDor Media and brought their Israeli history content to a diverse group of religious, educational, civic, and governmental organizations throughout North America.

Hadara is a community leader and innovator.  She co-founded Chaver L’Chayel and helped establish the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Atlanta, where she also served as a board member for seven years.

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive and visionary philanthropist. Inspired by Warren Buffet’s and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge, Mike founded the Jewish Future PROMISE to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism.

Mr. Leven currently serves on the boards of AEPi Fraternity Foundation; HERSHA Hospitality Trust; Honorary board member of Birthright Israel Foundation; Trustee Hadassah College of Jerusalem and The Marcus Foundation.

Professionally, Mike ended his tenure in 2019 as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Georgia Aquarium to devote more time to charitable endeavors like the Jewish Future PROMISE. In the past, he has served as president and chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the chairman and chief executive officer of US Franchise Systems, the president and chief operating officer of Holiday Inn Worldwide, and the president of Days Inn of America.

Mr. Leven is a co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), an organization that has more than 19,000 members owning more than 40,000 hotels.

Mike is the author of Can’t Do It Yourself: How Commitment to Others Leads to Personal Prosperity, which shares his roadmap to personal and professional success, ending each chapter with a lesson to live by in business and life.

Josh is an experienced non-profit professional, having most recently served as a Regional Director at BBYO. Additionally, he has experience working in retail management, high end luxury sales, and customer service.

A native of Herndon, VA, Josh is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Hillel. Post college, Josh spent a year living in Israel as a participant on Masa’s Israel Teaching Fellows program, then gained practical life skills while traveling the world.

Josh loves great food experiences, spending time with family and friends and helping build a strong Jewish future.

 

Nadav Alkoby has established a career in public relations, having previously worked with Alpha Epsilon Pi and Zionist Organization of America. Additionally, he worked on political campaigns in Florida and Alabama for United States Senators and members of Congress. A native of Miami, Florida, Nadav attended Florida Atlantic University and earned a B.A. in Political Science with a focus on Middle East Politics.

Nadav owes his deep passion for Israel to his family roots in the Holy Land and his religious faith. One of the values of the Torah most important to him is love thy neighbor, and he spends much of his free time volunteering within his community.

Most recently, Nadav was instrumental in the Surfside Champlain Tower collapse recovery efforts. He volunteered by preparing and handing out meals to first-responders, comforted survivors and victims’ families, and coordinating the distribution of donations. When not pursuing his passion for the Jewish Community, Nadav enjoys seeking adventure at National Parks. 

Yanna Angel, originally from Israel, is a former Contact Personnel/Case Manager – Sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces. Angel has a strong background in customer success, having worked most recently with Engaged Media, a WebMD Company. Dedicated to serving others in the non-profit sector, Angel previously worked for the Jewish Family & Career Services as their case manager focused on Holocaust Survivors, The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN, and with the Consulate General of Israel.

Angel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management from Sapir Academic College in Israel.

Mark Silberman is a partner and co-owner of Refrigiwear, the world’s leader in cold weather industrial work clothing and accessories. The company, nearing its 65th year, has now welcomed 3rd generation of family members into the workplace. 

Mark is a past president of Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, Georgia, as well as a past national board member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), where he served on the North American Camping (NAC) committee, budget committee, and business practices committee. He is currently the chair of the board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and has served on the Board of Trustees for the past 8 years, as well as the campaign chair in 2017 and on numerous Federation committees. Mark also serves on the nation JFNA board.

Mark also serves on the board of Hillel’s of Ga.  Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and the Alliance Theatre. Mark has been a primary funder and advocate of PJ Library and Jewish Camping in the Atlanta community. Mark is a national board member of the Foundation for Jewish Camping.

Mark holds a BA from American University and lives in Atlanta with his wife Linda. They have four grown children and six grandchildren.

Prior to joining the Jewish Future Pledge team, Jenna worked at Jerusalem U as a Distribution Associate and Writer.  She has worked for many Jewish organizations in her professional life including the Anti-Defamation League, United Jewish Appeal, and Aish International.  Jenna is dedicated to Jewish causes, animal welfare and the environment. 

She received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts.  She currently lives in Denver with her husband and children.

Josh is an experienced non-profit professional, having most recently served as a Regional Director at BBYO. Additionally, he has experience working in retail management, high end luxury sales, and customer service.

A native of Herndon, VA, Josh is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Hillel. Post college, Josh spent a year living in Israel as a participant on Masa’s Israel Teaching Fellows program, then gained practical life skills while traveling the world.

Josh loves great food experiences, spending time with family and friends and helping build a strong Jewish future.

 

Mark Silberman is the Chair of the Board of the Jewish Future promise. He is the former president of Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, Georgia and former national board member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), where he served on the North American Camping (NAC), budget, and business practices committees. 

He is the former Chair of the Board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, has served on the Board of Trustees for the past eight years, was the campaign chair in 2017, and has served on numerous Federation committees. 

Mark is on the ex-board of JFNA and serves on the board of Jewish Family & Career Services, Hillel’s of Georgia, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, and the Alliance Theatre. He has been a primary funder and advocate of PJ Library and Jewish Camping in the Atlanta community. Additionally, Mark is a national board member of the Foundation for Jewish Camping.

Mark holds a BA from American University and lives in Atlanta with his wife Linda. The couple has four grown children and six grandchildren.

Before coming to Jewish Future PROMISE, Hadara has had a varied career in both the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds. She has been an entrepreneur, building Jan Micolle, a successful women’s clothing manufacturing company that sold to major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s.

As vice president of distribution and a co-producer at Imagination Productions, an independent documentary film company with a focus on the Jewish world, Hadara placed their films with services like Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes.

Hadara also served as vice president of partnerships at OpenDor Media and brought their Israeli history content to a diverse group of religious, educational, civic, and governmental organizations throughout North America.

Hadara is a community leader and innovator.  She co-founded Chaver L’Chayel and helped establish the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Atlanta, where she also served as a board member for seven years.

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive and visionary philanthropist. Inspired by Warren Buffet’s and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge, Mike founded the Jewish Future PROMISE to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism.

Mr. Leven currently serves on the boards of AEPi Fraternity Foundation; HERSHA Hospitality Trust; Honorary board member of Birthright Israel Foundation; Trustee Hadassah College of Jerusalem and The Marcus Foundation.

Professionally, Mike ended his tenure in 2019 as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Georgia Aquarium to devote more time to charitable endeavors like the Jewish Future PROMISE. In the past, he has served as president and chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the chairman and chief executive officer of US Franchise Systems, the president and chief operating officer of Holiday Inn Worldwide, and the president of Days Inn of America.

Mr. Leven is a co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), an organization that has more than 19,000 members owning more than 40,000 hotels.

Mike is the author of Can’t Do It Yourself: How Commitment to Others Leads to Personal Prosperity, which shares his roadmap to personal and professional success, ending each chapter with a lesson to live by in business and life.