The Israel Bridge: November 2025 Newsletter

November 26, 2025

Welcome to the Bridge & Beyond Newsletter by The Israel Bridge, where Israeli student-athletes stand strong against antisemitism on campus.

The Israel Bridge Event in Palm Beach Gardens

As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we are still filled with energy and emotion from our November 16 The Israel Bridge event in Palm Beach Gardens.

Thank you for joining us and for taking the time to meet and hear from our incredible Israeli student athletes, young leaders who are balancing academic excellence, athletic achievement, and Jewish identity on campuses across the United States.

At the event, we heard powerful stories, including the story of Guy Finkelstein from Florida Atlantic University, who left in the middle of a tennis tournament to fight in Gaza after the events of October 7. Guy serves in an elite combat unit, and since then he has spoken on campuses across the United States to encourage Jewish students to stand up against antisemitism.

We also met Rom Brown, a former Northwestern University soccer player and current medical student who lives in a Moishe House, a Jewish young adult home where he helps build and strengthen community and hosts Jewish events. Rom is also the president of the Jewish Medical Students Club and was selected to present at the White House.

And this was only a glimpse of what these athletes represent.

Our athletes are leaders and advocates. They influence their peers. They push back against rising antisemitism by showing up, speaking up, and standing proud.

Relive the Evening

Looking Ahead To Hanukkah, The Festival Of Lights

Hanukkah is just around the corner, a holiday that reminds us that even a small light can shine very bright in a world that sometimes feels dark. Our Israeli student athletes are exactly that kind of light on their campuses. This Hanukkah, we would be honored if you would consider opening your home and your heart to them.

You can see where our athletes are studying and find who might be near you by using our online student locator map here.

If you are interested in hosting, please email us at [email protected], and we will do our best to connect you with an athlete in your area.

Athlete Spotlight: Riva Hondiashvili - From Loss To Championship

The Israel Bridge provides Riva Hondiashvili with essential financial support that helps her afford tuition and daily living.

A glimpse of her story, in her words:

"My name is Riva Hondiashvili, I am 24 and from Jerusalem, Israel. When I was two, my father was murdered in a terror attack. A terrorist boarded a bus and detonated himself. Ten other people were killed and dozens were injured.

My father was 38. He left behind my mother and three children, my twin brother, me, and our baby brother, who was one year old. My mother raised us on her own and encouraged me to pursue my father’s dream that his daughter would play tennis. I have been playing tennis since I was five.

As a junior, I ranked among the top players in Israel and I represented Israel at European and World youth championships.

I study at the University of Charleston in West Virginia, where there is a very small Jewish community. On our campus it is just me and one other Israeli athlete, and both of us work hard to promote Israel in positive and meaningful ways.

The Israel Bridge provides me with essential financial support that helps me afford tuition and daily living. I am deeply grateful for this help and for the organization that supports many athletes like me."

Riva Hondiashvili

Riva is one example of how your support changes lives and strengthens the presence and voice of Israel on campus.

Support Our Mission

To support our work and our athletes, please consider donating here.

Join The CHAI Giving Program

Join our special giving community and support Israeli student athletes in a meaningful and accessible way.

By contributing 18 dollars per month, you become part of a growing network of partners who believe in empowering Israeli athletes to thrive and represent Israel proudly on U.S. campuses. Your monthly gift has no expiration date and can be paused or canceled at any time.

Be Part of The Movement

Follow us on social media and help spread the word. Each like, comment, and share makes a difference in our fight against antisemitism on college campuses.