Charleston, SC, July 23, 2025
News Summary
The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism has unveiled the Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program to highlight Jewish NCAA athletes and promote Jewish pride. Announced recently, this initiative aims to address antisemitism by increasing the visibility of Jewish athletes and fostering empathy within communities. The inaugural class of ambassadors includes six notable athletes from various universities, each dedicated to sharing their experiences and combating negative stereotypes. The program aims to create a supportive network for Jewish athletes and encourage open dialogue regarding Jewish identity.
Charleston, SC – The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) has launched the NIL-sponsored Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program, aimed at spotlighting Jewish NCAA athletes and their experiences rooted in their Jewish identity. The program was announced on July 16 and falls under FCAS’s broader initiative to combat antisemitism, which continues to be a pressing concern in today’s society.
Six NCAA athletes have been signed as the inaugural class of “Blue Square Athlete Ambassadors.” Among them is Liv Shumbres, a Division I track and field athlete at the College of Charleston and a native of Suwanee, GA. The other ambassadors include Meyer Shapiro from Cornell wrestling, Ethan Hott from Stanford baseball, Riley Weiss from Columbia women’s basketball, Ze’ev Remer from Cal Lutheran men’s basketball, and Alan Mashensky from NYU basketball.
The mission of the program is to increase the visibility of Jewish athletes, challenge prevailing stereotypes, and promote a sense of Jewish pride. Liv Shumbres expressed a strong commitment to represent Judaism effectively at the collegiate level, advocating for unity through empathy and understanding. This sentiment resonates with the core objective of FCAS, which aims to foster dialogue about Jewish identity and engage communities in addressing antisemitism.
The FCAS program comes at a time when recent studies reveal that 25% of adults in the United States exhibit antisemitic attitudes, illustrating a worrying trend that seems particularly pronounced among younger demographics. Adam Katz, the newly appointed president of FCAS, has identified the initiative as a priority in combating these attitudes while empowering athletes to become leaders within their communities.
The Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program represents an innovative use of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities in a way that not only benefits the participating athletes but also addresses significant social issues. By highlighting personal stories, the program aims to humanize Jewish individuals and showcase their positive contributions to society, countering negative narratives and fostering a spirit of togetherness.
Each ambassador aims to leverage their platforms to raise awareness of antisemitism and advocate for the Jewish community at large. Many involved in the program have relatable personal experiences with antisemitism, which drives their commitment to fostering positivity while countering hate. Liv Shumbres specifically highlighted her personal journey as motivation to participate and push for change.
FCAS was established in 2019 by Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, to tackle antisemitism head-on. With the launch of this Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program, the foundation hopes to not only provide a supportive network for Jewish athletes but also encourage collaboration among sports and community leaders to create lasting change. The program is in its pilot phase and represents a pragmatic approach to harnessing athletic achievements for wider social good.
Key Features of the Program
- NIL Sponsorship: Provides financial and promotional support to Jewish athletes.
- Ambassador Roles: Athletes serve as spokespersons for the Jewish community.
- Focus on Education: Engages the public in understanding the Jewish experience.
- Community Building: Encourages athletes to lead in fostering empathy and connection.
- Aim to Combat Antisemitism: Intends to counter antisemitic attitudes prevalent in society.
Background
The foundation, under the direction of Katz since May, aims to facilitate meaningful conversations around Jewish identity while cultivating future leaders. The diverse backgrounds of the participating athletes not only enrich the program but also amplify its impact within and beyond the sports community.
FAQ
What is the Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program?
The Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program is an initiative launched by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism to support Jewish NCAA athletes in sharing their stories and promoting Jewish pride while combating antisemitism.
Who are the athletes participating in the program?
The inaugural class of ambassadors includes Liv Shumbres, Meyer Shapiro, Ethan Hott, Riley Weiss, Ze’ev Remer, and Alan Mashensky.
What are the goals of the program?
The goals of the program include increasing the visibility of Jewish athletes, dispelling stereotypes, promoting empathy and understanding, and combating rising antisemitic attitudes.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| NIL Sponsorship | Supported financially to promote Jewish identity. |
| Ambassador Roles | Represent and advocate for the Jewish community. |
| Education Focus | Engage the public in understanding Jewish experiences. |
| Community Building | Foster empathy and reach across divides. |
| Combating Antisemitism | Tackle antisemitic attitudes present in society. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
