Danielle V. Minson — Raising the Bar
Feb 23 Update: “We are hoping for better days for all the people in the world.” —Eilon Munk
Dear friends,
As we grapple with the war’s complexities, each day unfolds with an ache for the release of the hostages and a deep yearning for peace. The desire for peace could not be more palpable than when we heard firsthand testimonials about October 7 and its aftermath from brothers Eilon and Asaf Munk.
Eilon Munk, an IDF soldier and former Camp Livingston camp counselor and his brother Asaf Munk, a former Chaver (from 2018), spoke on Tuesday to our Federation and Mayerson JCC professionals about October 7 and their desire for the safe return of the hostages. Eilon had first come to Cincinnati as a camp counselor, he told us, because Asaf had “bragged so much about you guys I had to come and see for myself.” Eilon talked about the decision to leave his life behind and return to the IDF as a soldier in Gaza. While in Ohio the brothers also had the opportunity to speak at Adath Israel, Ohio State University, and Cincinnati Hillel. Asaf said, “It was important for me to come and talk in Cincinnati as I see it as my second family and home.”
In Cincinnati, we also oscillate between heartbreak and a steadfast determination to press forward. Our recent efforts have spanned from connection to protection:
Connecting:
- Over the weekend, I visited Florida with Jim Friedman, our Director of Planned Giving and Endowments, to connect with community members. I had many conversations with old friends; if we missed anyone during my visit, I apologize. We had discussions on antisemitism, security, and how to mobilize our community on these issues. We talked in person about many of the things I’ve shared with you in these emails: the rise in antisemitic incidents in Cincinnati schools, the additional funding we secured to enhance security measures, and our community’s strong advocacy last week on the potential Cincinnati City Council ceasefire resolution (see here). It was good to connect and hear directly their feelings and concerns about the state of the world. It felt reassuring that they care so deeply and that they continue to support Jewish Cincinnati.
Advocating:
- We sent a delegation to Washington DC including Rabbi Ari Jun, our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Director, JCRC board president Ben Schneider, community leaders Leo D’Cruz and Jenna Shaifer, and UC student Janel Berlinger—whom we sponsored to join this trip. They participated in a fly-in organized by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) to push for laws that help Israel, fight antisemitism, and make Jewish communities in the U.S. safer. We thank them for their advocacy. While there, they and over 400 Jewish Federation activists from 65 communities joined panel discussions and talked with staff from over 140 Congressional offices about these important issues.
Fundraising:
- Israel continues to need your support. Northern Hills Synagogue approached us to host a fundraiser to benefit Cincinnati’s Israel Emergency Relief Fund of which 100 percent of the funds will go directly to help Israelis. The fundraiser will spotlight wines from the war-affected regions of the North. Join Federation and Northern Hills, members and non-members alike, on Sunday, March 10, at 3 pm to sample a curated selection of Israeli wines, learn about Israel’s five wine regions, bid through silent auction on exclusive wines from Israel’s micro-wineries, and enjoy a concert by the students from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. Please consider contributing to the Israel Emergency Fund directly, and RSVP to our Northern Hills event here.
Convening:
- Israel is always on the minds of our Israel and Overseas (I&O) allocations committee, but this year we feel the urgency of her needs more than ever. The I&O allocations committee has been convening to deliberate on how best to assist NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) in Israel. While our primary focus remains on the Shared Society initiatives we have committed to in the past, we are evaluating how these organizations meet the new post-October 7 needs. Shared society is the principle of a socially cohesive society in which all groups hold status as equally contributing participants. In light of the crisis facing the Bedouin community and other vulnerable groups, we are proposing support of Desert Stars, which trains young Bedouin leaders to advance their community and integrate into wider Israeli society. Additionally, we are proposing to fund the National Organization for Victims of Terror’s Enjoyable Family Moments, which provides support for families taking in children orphaned by the war. The committee’s final allocations proposal will be put to vote in March.
- As we advance our Cincinnati 2030 strategic opportunities, last week we convened a workgroup of Aging Services managers to prioritize programs and initiatives dedicated to supporting caregivers. Our primary focus is to ensure that caregivers are well-informed about the resources available to them and can easily access the support they need.
Community Relations:
- Over the past two weeks, our JCRC has been hard at work advocating, educating, and community building. We met with State Senator Shane Wilkin, a Republican candidate for Ohio’s District 2, to discuss our concerns, particularly on Jewish safety and security. Following this, we engaged with Proctor & Gamble’s JNet (Jewish Employee Network) to understand the experiences and challenges faced by Jewish employees since October 7. We hosted a program with Congregation Etz Chayim on antisemitism, met with Congressman Mike Carey, participated in the installation of Bishop Kristin Uffelman White, engaged in a program with State Senator George Lang, convened with Ohio JCRC professionals in Cleveland, delivered a presentation on antisemitism to True Point Wealth, and participated in the inaugural cohort of the Ohio Over Zero Network to combat identity-based hate and violence.
Protecting:
- Given escalating cyber threats against Jews, it’s crucial that our local Jewish agencies and congregations prioritize cyber security awareness and preparedness. As a result, the Federation’s security arm, SAFE Cincinnati, has offered cybersecurity baseline assessments and cyber training sessions for our Jewish nonprofit organizations. We urge these organizations to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their defenses and ensure the security of their digital infrastructure. Please reach out to Mark Dowd, Director of Community Security, at mdowd@jfedcin.org.
“We are hoping for better days for all the people in the world.” That’s how Eilon closed his talk in the Amberley Room. I also hope for peace and for the safe return of the hostages. This war, and this hope, is the constant in our lives these days. Asaf spoke about how he is helping the family of Abigail Mor Edan, the youngest US citizen held by Hamas, who turned four in captivity. She is free now, and they held a second birthday party for her. When asked to count, though, she counted in Arabic. Though she is safe, her parents are both dead, and the scars run deep. Our hope must be very strong.
Eilon and Asaf, may you get home safely to your family, and stay safe in the troubled days still to come.
Shabbat Shalom,
Danielle V. Minson
CEO
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
PS: Urge our Members of Congress in the House to support the swift passage of aid to Israel, funding for NSGP, and assistance for Ukraine, by calling their offices and signing our action alert. Read this op-ed by urban warfare expert Major John Spencer on the legal implications of misuse of hospitals for terror purposes, and how the IDF has demonstrated compliance with international law when fighting in hospitals.
PPS: Here is the latest update on the war from our national partner, the Jewish Federations of North America.
