Brothers of the Lambda Chapter at the University of Texas at Austin were the students driving the launch of Yalla For Israel, a network connecting students at over 100 college campuses, in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks. In less than 24 hours, over 5,000 students joined Yalla’s work, and since October the organization has raised nearly $180,000 to benefit Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

Yalla is comprised of a network of passionate college students working to support the Jewish state. The organization’s website says the leaders feel that change starts with young people, who have an obligation to speak up against injustice whenever and wherever it presents itself.

The social media-driven campaign can be found at:

• Instagram: @yallaforisrael
• yallaforisrael.com

In addition to fundraising, affiliated organizations at schools like the University of Michigan and University of Maryland have been making misheberach videos, illustrating the Jewish prayer for healing and expressing their support for the people of Israel, and otherwise engaging with the campaign and fundraising.

Yalla has created an unprecedented sense of unity among Jewish college students. The ZBT brothers maintain interfraternal relationships in support of Israel, drawing in Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority, Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity and Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity chapters from around the nation, as well as other ZBT chapters and many other college students who support Israel.

Brother Jared A. Levy, Lambda (University of Texas at Austin) 2027, wrote an opinion piece for The Jerusalem Post to explain.

“The University of Texas’ core belief is that ‘what starts here changes the world,’” he wrote. “Yalla exemplifies the truth behind this statement and demonstrates the ability we all have to make the world a better place. I urge you to speak up when you see injustice and hatred, the worst thing anyone can do is stand silently and watch.”

Read Brother Levy’s full piece in The Post here.

Yalla and Brother Levy were recently featured in the FIDF international social media post, with FIDF saying they send a heartfelt thank you to the Yalla participants for their support.

Brother Levy: “We can’t take for granted that while we have college experiences, our peers bravely and selflessly serve in the military, defending the State of Israel. Aligning with FIDF was the most direct way to make a meaningful impact and show our support.”