Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Stand Together: RSVP for Our Annual Meeting and Show Your Support

From the initial news on the morning of October 7 when we heard of the attack on Israel, to the realization and learning of unimaginable atrocities that occurred that day, to the troubling rise of antisemitism, to a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents on our college campuses, it’s been a rollercoaster of challenges. Despite these trials, The Federation remains steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the health and vitality of our community.

Join me in marking 128 years of community resilience and collective action at our annual meeting, Wednesday, May 22, 7 p.m. at the Mayerson JCC, RSVP HERE. If you have already registered, I look forward to seeing you there. As community members and leaders, our collective presence has never been as important as it is today. Your presence is crucial, now more than ever, as it represents our strength and unity. Let’s show up for each other. Together, let’s also honor our remarkable award winners—Nina Paul, Sally Schott, and Rachel Marchese [learn more here]. 

As we gather to celebrate our community’s resilience, we must also address the sobering realities facing us. The recent ADL report has revealed a staggering 140 percent increase in antisemitic incidents in 2023, compared to the previous year. This escalation is particularly alarming at educational institutions, as demonstrated by recent events on campuses across the nation. Columbia University, for example, canceled its university-wide commencement due to anti-Israel protests, and Emerson College witnessed the arrest of students involved in similar activities. These incidents underscore the complexities of maintaining safety and open dialogue within our educational environments.

In response, we have not only strengthened our security protocols but also enhanced our approach to include more comprehensive safety measures and community engagement strategies. This past Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend the Ohio Jewish Security Conference in Cleveland, an event we helped organize. Alongside Mark Dowd, our Director of Community Security at SAFE Cincinnati, the security arm of Federation, we met with other CEOs and security directors from Ohio Jewish Federations. A key takeaway from the conference is the critical need for ongoing information sharing across the state. To strengthen our joint efforts, we will meet twice a month to enhance our collaboration by sharing insights, best practices, and security information. Using our established Federation security network and strong law enforcement relationships, we aim to effectively identify and mitigate potential threats to our communities.

Understanding the specific nature of these threats helps us to better allocate our resources and tailor our responses. The report, for instance, noted that a substantial proportion of the incidents post-October 7 involved references to Israel, Zionism, or Palestine, which underscores the need for related educational and security responses. We are working with law enforcement and Jewish organizations to ensure that our community spaces are not just reactive in moments of crisis but prepared in advance to handle potential threats. Our approach centers on continuous dialogue with law enforcement and enhancing our community relationships to ensure that Jewish life in Cincinnati can thrive safely and openly. 

Given the increased tensions and the potential impact on our students, it is critical to provide them with the support and resources they need. For a comprehensive overview of our security strategies informed by the ADL’s findings, I invite you to read the detailed discussion in our latest article in the Israelite, here. Additionally, for ongoing updates on campus incidents and to access resources specifically designed for navigating campus challenges, visit this dedicated page, here. Parents and college students can also support efforts to ensure a safe academic environment by signing the Hillel International petition demanding college administrators protect students, here.

Together, we are taking proactive steps to protect our community and ensure a safe environment for all, reaffirming our commitment to security and dialogue in the face of challenges.

Shabbat Shalom, wishing you peace and strength,

Danielle V. Minson
CEO
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

PS: We’ve received concerning reports recently regarding local hate speech, violence, and vandalism targeting individuals or groups due to their Jewish identity. If you feel an immediate threat or danger, please report it to the police. Additionally, we urge you to report any local incidents to us, here.Whether you require assistance or not, it is important that we are informed to effectively address these local issues and ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

PPS: Don’t forget to register for our annual meeting and join us in celebrating our community’s resilience and achievements. If you have already registered, I look forward to seeing you there. RSVP HERE