Students across 10 campuses, delivered breakfasts and heartfelt thanks to 2,000 first responders in the largest commemoration yet
On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, 10 JLIC campuses across the East Coast paid tribute to the day’s fallen heroes by delivering hundreds of breakfasts to over 2,000 first responders, each with messages of gratitude and hakarat hatov.
Now in its tenth year, the initiative reached its widest impact yet, with more than 250 students participating across Barnard College/Columbia University, Binghamton University, Brandeis University, Brooklyn College, University of Michigan, New York University, University of Pennsylvania, Queens College, Rutgers University, and Washington University in St. Louis. Students not only prepared and delivered the meals but also contributed symbolic donations of $9.11 toward costs, with the remaining funds directed to tzedakah.
A division of the Orthodox Union, JLIC empowers Jewish students and young professionals through mentorship, Torah learning, leadership opportunities, and meaningful communal engagement. JLIC serves more than 8,000 students annually on 35 campuses across the U.S., Canada, and Israel. Among its many initiatives is Abraham’s House, a social action platform inspired by Avraham’s legacy of chessed and justice.
One of Abraham’s House’s most impactful programs is the 9/11 project, launched in 2016 by then-NYU student James Goldberg, who brought donuts to his local firehouse in memory of the fallen. That simple act grew into a national tradition.
“James shared that he was taking some donuts to the local fire station on 9/11,” recalls Rabbi Joe Wolfson, who was then co-director of JLIC NYU and now serves as co-director of JLIC Tel Aviv. “A few of us joined him, and we have continued to do so every year since. We also extended the project to various campuses and to the JLIC professional community, and a number of alumni groups participate annually as well.”
Since the project’s inception, the list of breakfast recipients has expanded to include police officers, fire departments, EMTs, homeless shelter staff, and, this year, university campus security personnel.
“For the first time, our students delivered breakfast to the Penn campus security guards,” says JLIC Penn Rabbi Joshua Klein. “These are the people we interact with daily; they protect us, open doors for us, and make sure we’re safe. We wanted to show them they’re seen and appreciated. It was also important for our students to hear firsthand the stories of those who lived through that day, 24 years ago.”
Rabbi Wolfson emphasizes that the project not only fosters connection with first responders but also provides students — many of whom were born after 9/11 — with an opportunity to reflect and learn about the tragedy’s impact. “It’s a very significant and terrible chapter in our history,” he says. “This initiative turns a dark day into a chance for education, connection, and even smiles.”
Twenty-one-year-old Ella Shusterman of Great Neck, New York, a Penn junior studying neuroscience, played a key role in the 9/11 tribute. She advertised the project, shopped for food, organized distribution, and mapped delivery routes to the Penn Police, and Fire and Emergency Services departments, Allied Universal Security Services headquarters, and individual security guards across campus.
“I chose to participate in this initiative because I believe it is essential to recognize and honor the individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting our community,” she says. “First responders serve with courage and selflessness and this was a powerful opportunity to express our gratitude and remind them that their commitment does not go unnoticed, especially on a day that carries particular weight and difficulty.”
The initiative’s timing adds even more meaning, coinciding with both the start of the school year and the approach of the Yamim Noraim. “It’s very opportune, within the first weeks of school, to launch a hands-on chessed initiative at a time when teshuva, tefillah, and tzedakah are at the forefront,” says Rabbi Wolfson.
JLIC Executive Director Rabbi Josh Ross reflects, “We continue to honor those we lost by serving those who protect us. I’m incredibly proud of our students and campus communities across 10 universities who came together to express gratitude to first responders in their local areas. They transformed a day of remembrance into meaningful action.”
The warmth of that action was evident across campuses. At Brandeis, for example, the Waltham Police Department took to Instagram to publicly thank JLIC students for their heartfelt gesture.
“Thank you to JLIC at Brandeis University for bringing pastries to our officers today, September 11th,” they posted. “Your thoughtfulness and support mean a lot to us, especially on a day of remembrance. We truly appreciate your kindness and partnership with our community.”