The Start

Following October 7th, Ben Sherman, Barri Seitz, Nurit Pesel, and Abbie Barkan, students at the University of Texas at Austin, observed a sense of fear and uncertainty among their Jewish peers. Within just one day, Ben, Barri, Nurit, and Abbie organized a moving vigil at the UT Tower, drawing over 500 attendees to mourn and pay tribute to those lost. Recognizing the potential to foster unity and support within the UT Jewish community, they seized the moment to establish an organization. In the weeks following the vigil, Longhorn Students for Israel was born, aimed at not only advocating for Israel but also for the UT Jewish community.