Ezra Schwartz Memorial FIT 5K Run/Walk to benefit Rutgers Hillel

REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the Ezra Schwartz Memorial FIT 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Fun Run/Walk to be held Sunday, April 30. Proceeds benefit the Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement (RHCIE).  

The event is named in memory of Ezra Schwartz, accepted to the Rutgers class of 2020, who during his gap year in Israel was murdered by Palestinian terrorists in 2015. 

Since the event’s inception in 2011, the FIT 5K has raised approximately $125,000 in support of Israel engagement, education, and advocacy programs at Rutgers University Hillel. The event is open to all ages and is held, rain or shine, in Buccleuch Park, New Brunswick.

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, contributions, and people. 

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“The Center’s focus on creative programming, rather than on confrontations with anti-Israel groups, puts a very human face on the Jewish homeland for all students,” said Andrew Getraer, Rutgers Hillel executive d

irector. 

The FIT 5K started in 2011 “to provide 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 with a lot of terrific people,” said event cochair Jennifer Bullock.  

In addition to the Bullocks, the Ezra Schwartz Memorial FIT 5K organizing committee members include David and Susan Lemerman, Marty and Judy Slutsky, and Aviv Ayash.

Participation in the 5K run/walk division or in the one-mile fun run/walk is open to all members of the community. The registration fee is $25; $30 after April 14. Students may register for $10; $15 after April 14.  

Awards will be presented to the top three men and women in each age group, in five-year-increments, up to age 85.  Participants may register and arrange sponsorship at rutgershillel.org/fit5k or bstrace.com/newbrunswick/fit5k.     

Tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities include: $10,000, event sponsor; $1,800, benefactor; $1,000, start line; $500, finish line; $250 water station; $180 snack table; $100, T-shirt sponsor; and $54, contributor. All sponsorships of $100 or more will be listed on commemorative T-shirts. 

Further information may be obtained by contacting Jennifer Bullock at rnjbullock@aol.com or 908-510-4005.