UF Donor Surprises Chabad with $18,000 Contribution After Tucker Carlson Criticism

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (VINnews) — A supporter of Chabad-Lubavitch at the University of Florida made a new $18,000 contribution to the organization following criticism of the Jewish outreach movement by commentator Tucker Carlson.

Speaking to VIN News, Rabbi Berel Goldman said a donor known to him, who asked to remain anonymous, approached Thursday his son-in-law, Rabbi Meyer Brook, while on campus and handed him the check.

Goldman said Brook, who helps lead and organize many Jewish student activities at the university, has known the donor — a Jewish dentist and UF alumnus — for years.

The rabbi added that the donation came as an utter surprise. While the donor has long supported Chabad and attended events, the size of this contribution was unexpected. Goldman described it as a significant help to the organization.

Goldman emphasized that the donor’s frustration was unmistakable, saying the dentist was deeply upset by what he described as false accusations directed at Chabad. According to Goldman, the donor wanted to respond positively by strengthening support for the organization’s work with Jewish students.

The contribution will help fund Passover programming organized by Chabad at UF, including preparations for the annual Gator Seder at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Organizers say the event is the largest single-seated Passover Seder in North America, drawing thousands of students and community members each year.