Honoring Avi's Legacy:
​A New Collaboration for Dialogue, Understanding and Justice

Brown RISD Hillel is honored and excited to announce a new ten-year partnership with the Avi Schaefer Fund. This special collaboration will build upon the shared values of both organizations and give shape to annual student programming focused on dialogue, interfaith understanding, and the pursuit of justice. 

This partnership is in loving memory of Avi Schaefer z”l. In his all too short time at Brown, Avi was an influential bridge-builder, committed to bringing students together to learn and listen across difference. As Avi wrote, “I came to Brown looking for an environment that embodies the qualities of expression, open-mindedness and understanding. I arrived optimistically searching to meet others devoted to a common goal: forging lasting peace.” 

"Brown RISD Hillel provided an intellectual and spiritual home for Avi during his time at Brown,” says Avi’s family. “In the years since Avi passed away the students and staff there have become a part of our community. Our family is most grateful for the passionate dedication of Brown University and Brown RISD Hillel to ensuring that Avi's memory is and will continue to be a blessing."

Avi’s commitments to reaching across divides inspired a decade’s worth of special academic and cultural programming at Brown University and Brown RISD Hillel. A legacy that now continues. 

“We’re eager to see this collaboration nurture future generations of Brown and RISD students who, like Avi, are kept up at night by the most pressing issues of our day,” says Rabbi Michelle Dardashti, Associate Chaplain of the University for the Jewish Community, and Rabbi at Brown RISD Hillel.
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The vision and generosity of the Gross-Schaefer family will enable students to engage deeply with precisely such issues--racial and economic justice, immigration, climate change, the  Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and more--alongside people both like and unlike themselves, giving shape to broadened bases and more diverse and effective coalitions.

Avi’s legacy, in the words of Brown University Chaplain Rev. Janet Cooper Nelson, instructs us in “how to live more lovingly, more righteously.” We are honored to be firmly establishing that legacy at BRH through this partnership.

Students, alumni, and community members interested in participating in work within these realms are encouraged to let us know. 

Brown RISD Hillel is grateful to have been a home for Avi and is honored in its long partnership with the Avi Schaefer Fund and the Gross-Schaefer family. ​

*Support programming focused on dialogue, interfaith understanding, and the pursuit of justice at BRH!