At no time last year did I understand that the Jewish Business Network has a specific linkage with Aish Hatorah, that involves Aish Hatorah allocating staff time, finding speakers, helping to raise money, consulting, and teaching. It was only recently that I learned of this connection.
The Winnipeg Jewish Review recently sent an email to Matan Hazanov, a co-founder of the Jewish Business Network which began has Chapters across Canada, asking him to clarify the JBN's relationship with Aish Hatorah. This is his response by email in full:
"I am sorry if there is/was any confusion on our previous communications. I will try my best to clarify JBN's affiliation with Aish Hatorah and answer your questions.
"The leaders of the JBN, since its inception, have been very adamant about creating mutually beneficial partnerships with other Jewish organizations. This is partly because the JBN is a mostly student-operated organization and also because the combination of talents and resources will help the JBN and it's partners reach their goals more effectively.
"As a result, the JBN has partnered with various organizations including (but not limited to): Hillel, Chabad, The UJA, NCSY and various Aish Hatorah organizations. And we endeavor to continue developing more partnership with Jewish organizations.
It is important to note that the relationship between the JBN and Aish has become qualitatively different than others. This is because, as the JBN grows, the partnership between Aish Toronto and the JBN has become increasingly stronger as a result of the growing support. Aish Toronto, because they believe strongly in making an impact on Jewish students on campus through Jewish leadership, have been helping the JBN in many ways, including: staff time, finding speakers, helping to raise money, consulting, teaching (among other things).
"Financially speaking, Aish Toronto does not directly provide the JBN with money to fund its programs aside from providing partial funding for JBN trips partnered with other Aish Hatorah organizations. Aish Toronto does, however, devote staff time and shares contacts to help the JBN raise money. Some lay leaders and staff of Aish believe so strongly in the mission and strategy of the JBN that they have taken the personal responsibility to help the JBN succeed by raising money."
"All those involved in the JBN are very grateful for all the support given from Aish Toronto and hope that other Jewish organizations can emulate the strong commitment to student leadership in a real way as opposed to simply paying lip service as is often the case."