NEW BRUNSWICK – Registrations to participate in the Third Annual FIT (For Israel Team Hillel) 5k Run/Walk are now being accepted from students and community members of all ages. All proceeds from the event, to be held rain or shine, on Sunday, May 4, in Buccleuch Park, New Brunswick, go directly to funding Israel programming at Rutgers University Hillel.
According to Co-Chairs David Yellin, Dr. Richard and Jennifer Bullock, and Eliot and Barbara Spack, all of Edison, the event raises funds dedicated to the support of the Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement (RHCIE), 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 the Israeli spirit, and the contributions of its people.
According to Center Director Diana Diner, RHCIE has mobilized students to broaden their understanding of Israel and its people through positive encounters with visiting Israelis, artists, businessmen and academicians, rather than focusing on confrontations with anti-Israel groups. Andrew Getraer, Rutgers Hillel Executive Director said “the Center’s focus on creative programming puts a very human face on the Jewish homeland, for all students.”
The FIT 5k was introduced and organized in 2011 by Co-Chairs David Yellin, Dr. Richard, and Jennifer Bullock. “The event,” they explain, “provides participants with an opportunity to both support Israel and fulfill the mitzvah of shemiras haguf (taking care of one’s body), while having a great time with a lot of terrific people.”
Sanctioned by USA Track & Field NJ, the FIT 5k is a Grand Prix 500-point event. Participants may also register as students or community members in the run/walk division or the one-mile Fun/Run/Walk. Awards will be presented to the top three men and women in each age group (in five-year-increments).
Participants may register online at www.bestrace.com or www.rutgershillel.org.
Fees: If registered by April 27, $25 for community runners, $22 for USATF members, and $10 for students. If registered after April 27, additional $5 fee with be added. Tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities include: $1,000 start line; $500 finish line; $250 water station, and $100 to be listed on commemorative t-shirts. Further information may be obtained by contacting Diana Diner at Rutgers Hillel, 732-545-2407, [email protected].
