In light of war in Israel and rising antisemitism worldwide, New York City’s Jewish influencers launched the #GotMatzah campaign this Pesach, an effort to connect and support Jews around the world this Passover. The initiative, organized by Chabad Young Professionals of the Upper East Side’s “Young Jewish Influencers” community, aimed to address the hostility faced by Jewish individuals on social media and in public spaces, and spread awareness about Passover.
At the #GotMatzah launch event chaired by Jewish influencer Libby Amber Walker, New York City’s Jewish influencers gathered to hear words of inspiration from fellow influencers and share the message of Pesach with their followers. Jewish content creators, including Miriam Ezagui, the Kosher Guru (Gabriel Boxer), and Kosha Dillz (Rami Even-Esh), delivered powerful speeches emphasizing the importance of Jewish unity and pride, and celebration of Passover using authentic Shmurah Matzah, especially during challenging times.
“The #GotMatzah campaign is our proactive response to antisemitism,” said Libby Amber Walker, chair of the Young Jewish Influencers Network. “By coming together to celebrate Passover and distribute Shmurah Matzah, we are reinforcing our heritage and demonstrating the resilience of our community.”
At the event, attendees posted on their accounts regarding the importance of Shmurah Matzah, and if they need Matzah they should direct message them. The influencers posted shared photos of themselves holding boxes of Matzah in front of a gigantic matzah photo wall. They went home with bags filled with over 500 boxes of matzah, sponsored by Yudi Hercenberg of the Hercenberg Mitzvah Mission, to distribute to their followers and circles of influence.
The #GotMatzah campaign coincided with the 70th anniversary of the global Matzah campaign started by the Rebbe. Since 1954 Chabad Shluchim have distributed tens of millions of Matzos to Jews around the world, this year Inspired by the Rebbe’s call for people of influence to harness their followers for good, the #GotMatzah initiative saw the influencers inspire their followers to celebrate Pesach using authentic Shmurah Matzah.
“We launched the Young Jewish Influencers Network as a way to support Jewish influencers who have been facing a tremendous amount of hate since Oct 7th,” said Rabbi Avi Winner of Chabad Young Professionals of the Upper East Side. “It’s been incredibly moving to see the community not just support each other but focus on how they can give back and help Jews around the world.”
The Young Jewish Influencers network is a project of Chabad Young Professionals of the Upper East Side under the leadership of Rabbi Yosef and Devora Wilhelm, known for hosting the city’s largest weekly Shabbat Dinner dubbed “Holy Hour Happy Hour” and is considered one of the largest “young Jewish professional” communities in the world.
