Danielle V. Minson — Raising the Bar
March 8 Update: Empowering our Youth
Dear friends,
In navigating my role, the lines between my professional and personal life often blur—a testament to my belief in and passion for our mission, for which I feel fortunate. During a site visit to Miami University, I managed to catch up with my nephew over lunch which I loved! I got to hear about his classes, fraternity pledging, and how he is thriving at Miami—which I am grateful for. Yet this is not the experience of all our teens and young adults.
Our recent study, conducted with the Jewish Foundation, sheds light on the mental health challenges our youth face, from social isolation and academic pressure to the stress of antisemitism. The research highlighted the importance of community support, meaningful relationships, and coping mechanisms.
Building Belonging and Safety Through Education and Dialogue: During our visit to Miami University, planning team members Felicia Zakem (Chief Planning Officer), Jan Evans (Director of Allocations), and planning and allocations lay leaders Andrea Baron and Don Shuller highlighted the transformative effect of your contributions. In meetings with Hillel and Chabad, we saw firsthand how programs funded by your support effectively combat antisemitism and promote Israel education, creating a significant positive impact.
- These initiatives have enabled students to hold meaningful conversations about Israel, especially with their non-Jewish peers, establishing Hillel and Chabad as crucial for fostering open, safe dialogues. “These programs have made discussing complex topics easier,” a student noted, underscoring your support’s role in creating spaces where students can confidently explore and understand sensitive issues.
- Since the start of the academic year, Cincinnati Hillel has connected with 500 students from the University of Cincinnati, Xavier, Cincinnati State, Northern Kentucky University, and others, marking a significant increase from last year. Recent studies by Hillel’s external evaluators highlight the transformative, long-term impact of Hillel on its students, both during and after college. Known as the “Hillel Effect,” a single engagement with Hillel can profoundly reinforce students’ connection to their Jewish roots, culture, and community, while six or more encounters significantly strengthens their commitment to Jewish life.
Both Hillel and Chabad serve as essential community spaces where students can connect, forge friendships, and find a sense of belonging.
25 Years of Strengthening Jewish Identity through Camp and Travel Grants.The 25th anniversary of the Cincy Journeys grant program marks a significant milestone. This program has been instrumental in my own life, enabling a life-changing journey in Israel two decades ago, influencing my identity and life’s path.
Our latest Cincy Journeys Impact Report revealed that nearly half of the participants would not have been able to participate without the grant. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 88% feeling a stronger sense of belonging to the Jewish community and 86% deepening their connection to Israel.
Christine Katzman, our Cincy Journeys Community Building Associate, conveyed how the dozens of thank-you notes from children, teens, and parents reaffirm the impact of our efforts. To address parental concerns about travel to Israel, we’ve expanded our travel grants up to $8,000 for Summer of 2024 to include approved US and international trips. For more information, please contact ckatzman@jfedcin.org.
Building Bridges Through Youth Engagement and Educational Outreach.With Jeremy Spiegel’s efforts, our Assistant Director of Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), we are making strides in bridging communities and fostering dialogue among diverse young people.
- Jeremy chaperoned a life-changing Civil Rights journey to the South,organized with Ish, YWCA, and Etgar 36. A visit to Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, led by Senator Raphael G. Warnock, its senior pastor and Georgia’s first African American senator, inspired the group with his message on inclusivity, drawing from his rich civil rights background. He also visited Xavier Montessori’s World Religions class to educate on Jewish diversity, holidays, and Cincinnati’s role in American Reform Judaism. One student asked how the different Jewish sects get along. Jeremy shared that we’ve never had a ‘sect war’ within Judaism, but it certainly doesn’t mean there’s a lack of diverse opinions or disagreements.
Young Adults Discuss War in Israel and Antisemitism. At a Federation Young Adult Division (YAD) event with the Mayerson JCC, we fostered a dialogue for young adults on Israel, Jewish identity, antisemitism, and Israel negative media portrayals. The session, facilitated by our experienced team including Yarden Neeman, Senior Israeli Emissary and Bella Bryan, our Young Adult Director, Lulu Gordon, the Mayerson JCC’s 20s & 30s Programming and Engagement Professional, among others, provided a safe environment for open and thoughtful dialogue.
- The attendance of 30 people, many of whom were new to our young adult events, was particularly encouraging. Natan Garfinkel, a former Chaver (2015) and now an IDF reservist, joined via Zoom to share firsthand experiences of the Israel-Hamas conflict, providing significant insights, and deepening the conversation with perspectives from Israel. The diverse attendance and the openness of the conversation emphasized our dedication to creating a well-informed and supportive young adult community.
#TikTok—Time’s Up. I am sickened and outraged by the rising antisemitism impacting our children, from college campuses to primary and secondary education. FBI Hate Crime data and the ADL report a historic increase, with antisemitic incidents soaring by 336% since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7th. Social media, particularly TikTok, is a major contributor, where antisemitic comments spiked by 912% in just one year. The resignation of TikTok’s governmental affairs advisor in Israel over the app’s bias further highlights this issue. Now is the time for decisive action and leadership. Support the bipartisan Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (H.R. 7521) to combat this trend. Urge your elected officials to act against antisemitism by supporting this crucial bill. Now is the time for action. It is vital that you reach out to your elected officials in the House of Representatives and urge them to support this bill. A vote for H.R. 7521 is a vote against antisemitism. Please share this call to action with your friends and family. Read FAQs here.
Looking Ahead: Wed., March 20—JCRC Annual Meeting will shine a light on antisemitism and healing. Dara Horn, author of People Love Dead Jews, a New York Times Notable Book of 2021 will speak. Dara’s recent article on the challenges faced by Jewish students on university campuses illuminates why we need to act. Read here.
City Council Ceasefire Update. Last month, we saw over 175 community members come together at the Cincinnati City Council, showcasing our united wish for peace. This collective
