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by Ben Sherman, Longhorn Students for Israel Co-Founder
Long before Ari Ackerman began using his platform to reach millions online, he was shaped by a deeply personal legacy. His grandfather was one of the early architects of the modern State of Israel, and his mother’s home “felt like a Jewish catering hall” because of how often she hosted events. All of this instilled in him the belief that Judaism is more than just a religion, it’s a responsibility.
In our interview, Ari speaks candidly about the transferable skills from his entrepreneurial career—persuasion, teamwork, and communication—and how they apply just as powerfully to grassroots advocacy. He reminds us that leadership isn’t always a title. “Everyone has a platform,” he insists. “Whether it’s one person or 50,000, it matters.”
He doesn’t shy away from tackling the big, sometimes uncomfortable, questions either: Are Jewish students being asked to bear too much of the burden? How do we maintain momentum when fatigue sets in? And how do we activate not just leaders, but the everyday students who may not see themselves as advocates yet?
Perhaps most powerfully, Ari leaves students with a charge: “You shouldn’t be on the front lines. People like me should be. But since you are, I have your back.”
And, of course, in true Ari fashion, the interview ends with a smile and a swing, literally. “I believe Jews are better athletes than we get credit for,” he argues, recounting how Marlins’ first baseman Matt Vierling hit a home run mid-fireside chat, right as Ari wished for one.
Ari’s story is more than just a personal journey, it’s a reminder that Jewish pride, values, and resilience are timeless and essential.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, thoughts, or opinions of Our CampUs United (“OCU”), its affiliates, or any other individuals or entities associated with OCU.
By The OCU Chronicleby Ben Sherman, Longhorn Students for Israel Co-Founder
Long before Ari Ackerman began using his platform to reach millions online, he was shaped by a deeply personal legacy. His grandfather was one of the early architects of the modern State of Israel, and his mother’s home “felt like a Jewish catering hall” because of how often she hosted events. All of this instilled in him the belief that Judaism is more than just a religion, it’s a responsibility.
In our interview, Ari speaks candidly about the transferable skills from his entrepreneurial career—persuasion, teamwork, and communication—and how they apply just as powerfully to grassroots advocacy. He reminds us that leadership isn’t always a title. “Everyone has a platform,” he insists. “Whether it’s one person or 50,000, it matters.”
He doesn’t shy away from tackling the big, sometimes uncomfortable, questions either: Are Jewish students being asked to bear too much of the burden? How do we maintain momentum when fatigue sets in? And how do we activate not just leaders, but the everyday students who may not see themselves as advocates yet?
Perhaps most powerfully, Ari leaves students with a charge: “You shouldn’t be on the front lines. People like me should be. But since you are, I have your back.”
And, of course, in true Ari fashion, the interview ends with a smile and a swing, literally. “I believe Jews are better athletes than we get credit for,” he argues, recounting how Marlins’ first baseman Matt Vierling hit a home run mid-fireside chat, right as Ari wished for one.
Ari’s story is more than just a personal journey, it’s a reminder that Jewish pride, values, and resilience are timeless and essential.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, thoughts, or opinions of Our CampUs United (“OCU”), its affiliates, or any other individuals or entities associated with OCU.