Ari Ackerman Shows His Jewish Pride On and Off the Field

On October 8, 2023, one day after the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust, many groups were mobilizing and starting to protest Israel. From college campuses to the streets of New York City, people were spouting hate towards Israel – and Jews.

Meanwhile, in Florida, the Miami Marlins were posting a message of support: “We stand in solidarity with our South Florida community and the people of Israel for an end to terrorism and we pray for peace.”

“I am proud to say I ensured that we were the first baseball team, and I believe the first team in all of sports, to post on Instagram in support of Israel and the Jewish community after October 7,” said Ari Ackerman, co-owner and partner in the team. “It wasn’t easy. There were partners, employees, and players to consider. There was a lot of back and forth, but we posted October 8 in the afternoon.”

It’s no surprise that Ari was behind such a brave message. The social media influencer and entrepreneur was already a well-known advocate for Israel and the Jewish people. After Oct. 7, he only ramped up his efforts, posting frequently on his Instagram – where his most popular reel has 6.6 million views – and updating with news on what’s happening to Jews around the world. He posts videos showing his pride, condemning antisemitism, and collaborating with other pro-Israel voices like Lizzy Savetsky and Ben Stiller.

But why does he do it?

“I strongly believe we are in a fight for the survival of our people,” Ari said. “The level of Jewish hatred in the world is flat out scary and this is a defining moment in our history. Every day I get strength from my heroes and role models – my mom and grandfather (of blessed memory) – and step up to ensure a Jewish future for my two beautiful children.  I want to make sure my children know I did not back down during this period.”

Now, Ari is running on the Aish Ha’Am slate for the World Zionist Congress to further advocate for his people and Israel.

Why Ari Chose Aish Ha’Am

Ari is running on the Aish Ha’Am slate because, he said, “I strongly believe in the Aish platform of support for Israel, Jewish education, and the unity of our people. I hope that by being a delegate through Aish at the World Zionist Congress, I will ensure these vital goals are prioritized.”

As a candidate, he’s showing that, “While we are small in number, we are a large, loving, unified family,” he said. “And there is nothing more important to me than family.  It is essential for our survival to always remember that family is always stronger together.”

Ari also admires Aish’s pro-Israel stance, which deeply resonates with him and his audience.

“Our Jewish homeland is in our collective soul, as we end every seder with ‘Next Year in Jerusalem!’” he said. “Israel’s security is non-negotiable. I will always stand strongly with our ancestral homeland and its right to defend itself against all evil.”

Of course, the educational component of Aish is also important to Ari.

“We must never forget that Jewish education is a foundation of our identity,” he said. “Our beautiful identity is rooted in knowledge, and lots of rabbis’ interpretations, and we must prioritize its availability to every Jew.”

The entrepreneur is also excited to be running on the slate alongside his friends and fellow influencers.

“The slate of candidates I am running with are not just Jewish warriors, but also some of my closest friends. I look forward to joining them in this historic campaign and in helping to shape our Jewish future.”

At his friend and fellow Aish WZO candidate Lizzy Savetsky’s daughter’s bat mitzvah, Ari met an Israeli singer who is also fighting in the IDF. The soldier told Ari that he and his whole battalion follow him on Instagram.

“I still get emotional thinking about this, as HE is the hero fighting for the survival of our people in the most moral army in the world,” said Ari. “But the fact that I can do my part and somehow help him, I was, and still am, truly overwhelmed.”

Ari’s Advice for Young Jews

Ari, a father of two young children, is always thinking about their future and posting about what’s happening on college campuses. Despite the prevalence of antisemitism and anti-Zionism, his advice for young Jews today is to stand up and be loud and proud. He’s going to continue to give this advice on social media and as a candidate for WZO.

“Now is the time to wear that kippah or that Magen David necklace, go to Shabbat dinners, and speak up on behalf of Israel in class or with your friends,” he said. “We all have a legacy attached to our name, our family, and our future. Make sure the way you act during this period will make all those you cherish most — now and in the future — proud!”

Go to www.aish.com/vote/aishcom to learn more about the Aish Ha’am movement and to register to stay informed about the campaign. You can also find an opportunity on the website to become an ambassador, actively joining in our efforts.

The Jewish People need Aish’s voice. And Aish needs YOUR voice! Together we can accomplish what might seem impossible.

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