Dear All,
As the President of KleinLife, I carry a personal responsibility to safeguard the well-being of our community. My commitment to this cause stems not only from my role but also from a deeply personal history of my family.
Almost thirty of my closest relatives perished during the Holocaust in Ukraine. By an act of fate, I was born later and am still alive today. The horrors of that period are a haunting reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked hatred and prejudice. My experience as a Jewish refugee from the former USSR thirty-five years ago reinforced the importance of standing up and addressing growing anti-Semitism that is once again on the rise.
On college campuses across the country, we are witnessing a disturbing trend of anti-Israel protests, much of which have transcended the boundaries of free speech. This isn't just a matter of political expression; it's a resurgence of the very anti-Semitism that my family and countless others suffered during the Holocaust.
The current Palestinian slogan, "Free Palestine from the river to the sea," echoes past atrocities with chilling clarity. It is as anti-Semitic as the slogans of the 1930s and 40s that incited violence against Jews. Just as we once heard "Juden Frei" in Europe, I recall "Kill the Jews, save Mother Russia" from the 70s and 80s when I was a child in the Soviet Union. We must recognize this slogan for what it is: pure, unadulterated anti-Semitism. Never did I imagine that I would witness such hatred resurface in my lifetime, let alone in a land that offered hope and refuge.
Today, my own daughters are questioning whether it is still acceptable to wear a Star of David in public. This is not the America we hoped for when we left the Soviet Union, nor is it the future we envisioned for our children. Our commitment to the American values of tolerance and unity must not waver.
As KleinLife continues to serve the most vulnerable in the Jewish and general communities alike, it is imperative that we recognize that supporting local services is a top priority. Our collective strength as a community is forged through unity and resilience. Together, we can stand up against anti-Semitism, protect our heritage, and ensure a better future for generations to come.
KleinLife remains a beacon of hope, and we must continue to uphold its legacy. Your support in this endeavor is crucial, and I eagerly look forward to your commitment to our shared cause.
May We Go From Strength to Strength!
Andre Krug
KleinLife President & CEO