(Courtesy of Rutgers JLIC) A group of 13 Rutgers University students and alumni recently demonstrated the far-reaching impact of student volunteerism during a transformative 10-day humanitarian mission to India. The initiative, organized by OU Relief Missions in partnership with JLIC at Rutgers and led by JLIC Director Rabbi Avi Schwartz, combined intensive volunteer work with cultural immersion across multiple regions of the country.

Cultural Immersion in Mumbai

The journey began in Mumbai, where participants experienced the city’s rich Jewish heritage firsthand. The group participated in Shabbat services at both the Chabad of Mumbai and the historic Knesseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, fostering meaningful connections with local Jewish community members. These interactions provided unique insights into how Jewish traditions have flourished in India for generations.

During their time in Mumbai, the students worked in the Kalwa slums, partnering with Gabriel Project Mumbai (GPM). The organization’s comprehensive approach to poverty alleviation impressed participants as they observed various initiatives, including innovative water purification programs and heavily subsidized private education systems designed to create sustainable change.

Making an Impact in Rural Maharashtra

The mission’s focus then shifted to Mokhada, a rural region in northern Maharashtra, where students engaged directly with tribal communities. Despite encountering severe poverty, participants were struck by the remarkable resilience and contentment demonstrated by local villagers.

The group’s volunteer work in Mokhada encompassed several critical areas: “Seeing how one Jew can be such a light for the world was truly eye-opening,” reflected Nessa Lippe, a senior psychology major from Fair Lawn. “The mission showed how important education is from such a young and formative age, and how anyone can impact a child’s life that will have positive ripples in the future.”

Their initiatives included visits to a field hospital supporting malnourished children and providing essential oxygen tanks. Students also contributed to local sustainability efforts by painting trees with protective mixtures to prevent pest infestations and secure vital crops.

Educational Outreach and Fundraising Success

A highlight of the mission was the three-day educational program at a tribal boarding school. Students were divided into small groups to teach English, culminating in an interactive hygiene seminar that incorporated games and songs to engage young learners.

In a remarkable display of initiative, the Rutgers group surpassed expectations when challenged to raise funds for hygiene kits. Originally tasked with raising $300, they collected over $900 in less than 18 hours, enabling them to provide essential hygiene supplies for the entire school rather than just their immediate students.

Rabbi Oran Bendelstein of OU Relief Missions praised the students’ dedication: “I was so impressed with the JLIC at Rutgers students, seeing them step up to the plate. Whether it was the teaching, the love, the learning and most of all, how they fundraised as a group for the kids that they may never see again.”

Reflection and Historical Connection

The mission concluded with a meaningful stopover in Munich, where participants visited both the site of the 1972 Munich Massacre and Dachau concentration camp. These visits provided a powerful context for reflecting on humanity’s capacity for both darkness and light.

Meira Barenholtz, a sophomore genetics major, emphasized the educational value of the experience: “My time in India was an eye-opening experience that taught me about a holistic approach to community development through the pillars of education, health, nutrition and livelihoods.”

Lasting Impact

Schwartz highlighted the mission’s enduring influence on participants: “Our students decided that this mission isn’t going to be the end of their journey, rather a stepping stone for their future of making their impact as Jews, not just for their own communities, but for the world as a whole.”

The success of this mission has prompted OU Relief Missions and JLIC to seek additional partnerships with college groups and community organizations for future humanitarian efforts. Those interested in participating in or learning more about future missions can visit oureliefmissions.org and rutgers.jlic.org.

Through their dedication to service and cross-cultural understanding, these Rutgers students have demonstrated how young people can make a meaningful difference in communities across the globe while gaining invaluable perspective on their own roles as global citizens.