We visited UT Dallas, MIT, University of Georgia Atlanta, and University of Missouri, distributing free coffee, yellow ribbon pins, and postcards featuring hostages held in Gaza. Passages partnered with Ten Boom Coffee Roasters to serve hundreds of cups of coffee on campus. Inspired by Corrie Ten Boom's life, Ten Boom Coffee Roasters was founded by Passages alumnus David Peters and collaborates with Agrocafe Israel to support local Israeli coffee roasters.

‍Coffee is a medium for connection. Passages has given out hundreds of cups of coffee and had conversations with hundreds of students about the importance of standing with Israel and the Jewish People. The impact goes beyond a cup of coffee.  

We saw students of all religions, cultures, and backgrounds wearing yellow ribbon pins, showing solidarity with the hostages. In one powerful moment of solidarity, a Jewish student saw other students wearing their yellow ribbon pins. He smiled, pulled his hostages dog tag out of his backpack, and wore it around his neck.

“It’s been super great to see Christians supporting us and it’s really great to just have the support,” said Zev Moore, MIT Student and Executive Board Member of the MIT Israel Alliance.

On October 7th, Passages stood for Israel on the National Mall. This rally, in partnership with the Philos project featured pro-Israel speakers from around them world. Among them was Vice Presidential nominee, JD Vance.  As the group walked towards the National Mall, each participant held a photo of someone killed on October 7th. These photos stood as a powerful reminder of what happened a year ago and honored the lives lost.

Passages, along with Duke Students Supporting Israel and End Jew Hatred, sponsored a flag-planting event at Duke University. Each of the 1,200 flags represented each life lost on that horrific day. Additionally, there were flags representing the 35 different nationalities of those murdered or kidnapped by Hamas. The flags were planted at Abele quad, and brought student and outside visitors alike.

Passages students delivered Rosh Hashanah gift baskets with apples, honey, and challah bread to 50 local Jewish communities as a show of support during difficult times.

Alum David Peters shared, “Everyone was so excited and thankful for the gift, knowing there were others standing with them. It was great to connect with community leaders, and I’m excited to build relationships. They even invited me to an October 7th remembrance event. I’m grateful for this opportunity to let them know they are not alone.”

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Passages commemorated the events of October 7 in Dallas and Atlanta, featuring testimonies from two residents of Kfar Aza. Earlier this year, Passages launched the War Relief Fund to support Kfar Aza and Netiv Haasara, focusing on psychological assistance and rebuilding efforts.

Both Kfar Aza and Netiv Haasara have been significant to Passages, welcoming thousands of students over the years. Hearing from these courageous survivors highlighted how the War Relief Fund is making a difference in their community.

Attendees heard firsthand accounts from Kfar Aza survivors, a community deeply meaningful to Passages.

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The Israel Allies Gala is an annual dinner that brings together 500 Jews and Christians united in their commitment to Israel. Passages proudly brought five local Dallas alumni to the event, joining with friends of Israel to celebrate the strength of unity.

"...Each connection reminded us of the growing community of allies standing together for Israel, and we were proud to represent Passages' shared commitment to this cause."