More than 200 runners and walkers have registered to compete in the fifth annual FIT (For Israel Team Hillel) 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Fun Run/Walk scheduled for Sunday, April 10, in Buccleuch Park, New Brunswick.

The event, held rain or shine, to benefit the Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement (RHCIE), was renamed this year to honor the memory of Ezra Schwartz, an incoming Rutgers freshman, who was murdered by terrorists while delivering food to IDF soldiers in Israel.

In addition to Rutgers students and community members, participants also include youth contingents representing B’nai Tikvah Congregation in North Brunswick and Diller Teen Fellows of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest.

According to co-chairs David Yellin, Dr. Richard and Jennifer Bullock and Eliot and Barbara Spack, all of Edison, the event provides participants with an opportunity to both support Israel and fulfill the mitzvah of Shomer HaGuf (taking care of one’s body) while having a great time. The Ezra Schwartz Memorial FIT 5K, which is sanctioned by USA Track & Field NJ, is a New Jersey Grand Prix 500-point event.

RHCIE is a national model for campus education and advocacy. Driven by a core belief that a positive connection to Israel is essential for a strong, healthy Jewish identity, RHCIE focuses on enhancing student understanding of Israel’s spirit, contributions and people, according to Andrew Getraer, Rutgers Hillel Executive Director. RHCIE has mobilized students to broaden their understanding of Israel and its people through positive encounters with visiting Israelis, artists, businessmen and academicians.