Over 15 years ago, I dropped out of law school to build a space where young Jewish graduate students could connect proudly with their identity and community — a place where Judaism is accessible and relevant at this formative stage of life.
Since then, we’ve grown into a national movement: 170+ campuses and more than 50,000 lives impacted. Yet remarkably, there has never been a physical home for our community. No dedicated center for Jewish graduate students anywhere.
What Jewish grad students deserve is a safe, permanent home. We have seized a rare opportunity to acquire a perfect townhouse near Midtown Manhattan.
I’d be honored if you would help us secure, build, and dedicate this home — one that reflects the values and the deep commitment to the Jewish future that we share.
For more than a century, the Jewish community has invested in campus and student life — everywhere except here.
Hundreds of locations serving undergraduate students.
Hundreds of locations serving undergraduate students.
Zero dedicated locations anywhere in North America — perhaps the world.
The JGO House will be the first Jewish Grad Student Center in history.
Public venues and campus spaces expose students to disruption and threat. A dedicated JGO location enables controlled access — and unlocks eligibility for nonprofit security grant funding.
A safe haven lets grad students express their Jewish identity and build community — without uncertainty about whether the environment is supportive or secure.
In one of the most popular neighborhoods for young Jewish adults — within 30 minutes of every major student hub.
A 5-story townhouse: 6,200 sq ft plus basement, with non-load-bearing walls for easy retrofitting and room to expand to seven usable stories.
Below market value, with a nonprofit seller and favorable mortgage terms.
Once restored, the JGO House will hold a cellar library, communal dining, seminar and office space, guest apartments, and a full rooftop terrace.
$6.6M purchase price ($4.9M five-year loan, no prepayment penalty), plus $250K for initial wall removal and immediate use.
$3.5M full buildout and gut renovation, plus $500K for elevator, egress, ADA and code compliance.
A $3M endowment at a 5% payout covers carrying costs and maintenance in perpetuity, protecting the operating budget.
The JGO House will be more than a national center — it will be a home. Help create an enduring legacy for generations to come, with your name at its heart.