Jan. 16, 2026
How bridge-building through service can heal divides — and curb antisemitism
eJewishPhilanthropyThis article first appeared in eJewishPhilanthropy on January 16, 2026.
In an op-ed for eJewishPhilanthropy, Repair the World President and CEO Cindy Greenberg posits that service bringing Jews and non-Jews together is one of the strongest answers to rising antisemitism. She shares stories from Repair’s Bridge-Building Service Corps, including volunteers in Harlem who became friends while serving at Benny’s Pantry, and Miami Corps alum Ruth Blanc, who is now a Jewish Service Ambassador. Repair’s model combines hands-on service with facilitated dialogue, reflection, and Jewish learning, and 88% of bridge-building participants said they are now more likely to speak out against antisemitism. Greenberg also notes that participation in Repair’s programs has doubled since Oct. 7, 2023.