By Jonathan Cope | Contributor – UT Austin Arts and Technology Honors Program (BS, Class of 2021) and Information Technology and Management (MS, Class of 2022)

The Kuhn family envisioned and have brought to life a great window of opportunity for social justice action.  After their marriage in 1961, the two became deeply and politically involved in Young Democrats and the dying stages of segregation in Dallas before moving to Austin in 1978.

Upon the realization that their Judaism and ideas on social justice were ultimately intertwined, the two established the Michael and Alice Kuhn Foundation in 1996 to “fight systemic poverty, primarily through community organizing, and offering opportunities for disadvantaged minority students to participate in higher education.”

In 2000, the couple met Rabbi David Kessel, Executive Director for Texas Hillel at the time, and spoke about their common interests and how they could work together. Michael and Alice believe that Jewish continuity is vital for Jewish survival, and “an organization such as Hillel is the most effective method of retaining young Jews in the faith.  They have a place to renew their connections to Judaism, and to commune with other young Jews.  We believe that social justice activism is an important link to helping them appreciate the beauty of Judaism and its commandment to do Tzedakah, and to love and help others.”

Additionally, Michael mentioned that as a student at the University of Illinois, he felt that he found a home and was reunited with his Jewish roots upon his introduction to Hillel where he participated in Jewish services, social activities, and governance – adding a deeper dimension to his college experience.

The Kuhns were raised in lower middle-class Jewish families that had been impacted by the Great Depression.  Alice was first introduced to Tzedakah and compassion at Workmens’ Circle (Now known as “Workers’ Circle”), and Michael’s activism was sparked after participating in a group picketing a whites-only barbershop.

“Our fondest dream is that Jewish organizations can lead, organize, and participate in social activism, and collaborate with a broad coalition of like-minded organizations.  Thus it is that all our grantees must have a social justice purpose to receive funds from the Kuhn Foundation.”

Thank you Michael and Alice for your support and generosity.

August 28, 2020