An Unbreakable Spirit: Advocacy from a Hospital Bed with Adam Fox

Episode Description: This is a very special episode of The Rabbi Avi Show, recorded not in a studio, but on location in a hospital room at Tucson Medical Center. Rabbi Avi sits down with Adam Fox, a young, dynamic Jewish leader he had only recently met. What began as a pastoral visit transformed into a profound and raw conversation.From his hospital bed, Adam shares his remarkable journey: from his early ambitions to be a rabbi, through his professional career empowering students at Hillel and Chabad, to the devastating loss of his mentor.Everything changed on October 7th, 2023. Adam details how the horrors of that day—and the wave of anti-Semitism he witnessed firsthand on college campuses—ignited a new, fierce mission. He speaks with stunning clarity and passion about the fight for Israel, the indivisible link between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, and the absolute necessity of Jewish unity.This conversation is a powerful testament to spiritual strength. Adam's physical vulnerability only magnifies his unbreakable spirit and his profound love for the Jewish people.In This Episode:(00:01) - Introduction from Rabbi AviRabbi Avi sets the stage for this unique episode, recorded at Adam Fox's bedside at TMC.He describes the power of meeting Adam and the "incredible spiritual strength" that listeners are about to hear.(02:15) - From Jewish Campus Life to Israel AdvocacyAdam shares his "origin story," from his Bar Mitzvah with Rabbi Joe Weizenbaum to his involvement in BBYO.His professional journey working to engage Jewish students at Hillel (University of Arizona, Colorado State) and Chabad (Northern Arizona University).Adam's core philosophy: Empowering students to "take ownership of their Jewish journey."(06:15) - Mentorship and Devastating LossAdam pays tribute to his mentor, Scott Zorn (z"l), and the heartbreaking story of his sudden passing on New Year's Day 2019.(10:20) - The Turning Point: October 7th, 2023Adam describes the "devastation" of October 7th while working at Colorado State Hillel.He discusses the immediate pivot from building Jewish life to defending it.Witnessing campus anti-Semitism firsthand: "From the River to the Sea" chants and the indifference of university administration.(15:10) - Defining the Fight: "Anti-Zionism IS Anti-Semitism"Adam makes a passionate, clear case for why there is no distinction between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, endorsing the IHRA definition.He provides listeners with a "script" for explaining this: "It is fair to criticize Israel's policies... What is [anti-Semitism] is when you deny the right of the Jewish homeland for the Jewish people."He argues that Zionism is the "ultimate decolonization movement" and the most successful indigenous rights movement in human history.(21:30) - Projects and AdvocacyAdam details the advocacy work he is involved in:Project Max: Combating anti-Semitism and intolerance through sports.End Jew Hatred: A grassroots movement to liberate the Jewish people from Jew hatred.Jewish Advisory Council: Working with local leaders and Congressman Juan Ciscomani to combat anti-Semitism in Southern Arizona.(27:40) - A Call for Jewish Unity and PrideRabbi Avi offers a heartfelt prayer for Adam's complete recovery (Refuah Shlemah).Adam's powerful closing message: "Wear your Jewish symbols. Wear your Jewish necklaces... We can't hide anymore, especially now more than ever."A plea for Jewish unity: "Reform, Conservative, Orthodox... Ashkenazi, Sefaradi, Mizrahi... None of that should matter. We're all Jewish. Be proud to be Jewish."(31:00) - Concluding BlessingRabbi Avi connects Adam's fragile, strong state to the themes of Sukkot—finding God's presence and grace even in a place of vulnerability.⭐ Key QuotesAdam Fox: "Each Jewish person has their own unique Jewish journey... I believe it's the role of others to embrace that and to open doors and to guide them."Adam Fox: "Zionism is the ultimate decolonization movement. It's the ultimate indigenous rights... successful movement... It took us thousands of years to finally get our right to return to our home."Adam Fox: "Don't let petty politics... Don't let however you identify as a Jew separate you from other Jews. Let's be united... We survived Haman. We survived the Nazis. We outlived all our enemies, but only through our unity, only through our strength, our ruach, and our Jewish pride."Resources MentionedOrganizations:HillelChabadB'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO)Project MaxEnd Jew HatredPeople:Rabbi Joe WeizenbaumScott Zorn (z"l)Rabbi Dobi ShapiroRep. Juan CiscomaniReps. Alma, Consuelo, and Daniel HernandezConcepts:IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of anti-Semitism🙏 Support the ShowSubscribe: Please like, recommend, and subscribe to The Rabbi Avi Show on your favorite podcast platform.Support: If you appreciate our efforts, please consider supporting us at