Make The Promise

Jewish Youth Promise Surpasses 10,000 Promisers Through Partnership With Olami

Growing Milestone Reflects Rising Demand Among Jewish Youth For Identity, Belonging, And Community Amid A Challenging Moment

ATLANTA (March 9, 2026) — At a time when Jewish teens and young adults are navigating unprecedented pressure on campuses and online, more than 10,000 Jewish youth have made a public commitment to Jewish identity and continuity through a growing partnership between the Jewish Youth Promise (JYP) and Olami, a global Jewish outreach organization engaging students and young professionals worldwide.

The milestone underscores a broader trend: rather than disengaging, Jewish youth are actively seeking meaningful ways to affirm who they are, where they belong, and how they see their future as Jews, especially in today’s social and cultural climate.

Through Olami’s extensive campus and community network, thousands of Jewish teens and young adults ages 13–24 are invited to take part in the Jewish Youth Promise, a guided experience in which participants write a personal pledge reflecting their values, identity, and commitment to Jewish life. Each promise is preserved in a secure digital time capsule and revisited over time, transforming a single moment of reflection into an ongoing relationship with Jewish identity.

“Having 10,000 Olami students sign the Jewish Youth Promise is far more than a milestone- it is a powerful statement about the strength and commitment of the next generation,” said Miriam Tennenbaum, VP of Development at Olami. These young Jewish leaders are not only inspired; they are stepping forward with pride, responsibility, and a deep sense of ownership over the future of our people. At Olami, we see every day how meaningful engagement translates into lasting Jewish identity, and this partnership with the Jewish Youth promise transforms inspiration into tangible commitment.”

“Signing the Jewish Youth Promise made me think about Judaism not just as something I inherit, but something I’m responsible for carrying forward,” said Alan Mashensky, a participating student at New York University. It’s a reminder that the traditions, values, and community that shaped me don’t stop with my generation—we have a role in strengthening them for the future. The pledge is a commitment to stay connected, to contribute, and to make sure the next chapter of the Jewish story is just as strong as the ones that came before it.”

“This milestone represents far more than a number,” said Hadara Ishak, President of the Jewish Youth Promise. “Each promise is a statement of pride, resilience, and responsibility. Reaching 10,000 promisers through Olami shows that young Jews are not pulling away, they’re stepping forward, looking for meaning, belonging, and a way to stand up and be counted.”

“Young Jews are not disengaging, they’re looking for meaning, ownership, and a way to stand up and be counted,” added Josh Schalk, Executive Director of the Jewish Youth Promise.

The Jewish Youth Promise is offered as a free, complementary platform for organizations seeking meaningful ways to engage Jewish youth ages 13-24 and strengthen long-term alumni relationships. Through immersive reflection and ongoing connection, JYP helps young Jews see themselves as vital links in the chain of Jewish history and future leadership.

For more information about the Jewish Youth Promise or to take the promise, visit www.jewishyouthpromise.org.

About the Jewish Youth Promise

The Jewish Youth Promise is a dedicated initiative empowering Jewish teenagers and young adults ages 13–24 to take ownership of their Jewish identity through a personal and lasting commitment to the Jewish people. Participants write individualized promises that are stored in a secure digital time capsule and revisited over time through periodic reminders and milestone deliveries. An initiative of the Jewish Future Promise, the Jewish Youth Promise works in tandem to preserve and strengthen the worldwide Jewish community by fostering meaningful engagement and support for Jewish life and the State of Israel. For more information, visit https://jewishyouthpromise.org and https://jewishfuturepledge.org.

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.