Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)

Approximately six weeks ago, I told our Jewish Federation of Cincinnati staff the following:

“Work sometimes feels like firefighting in the JCRC: When there are issues of antisemitism, we get called in to extinguish flames, mitigate damage, and help in the aftermath. When we respond to a call, some assume that we (the JCRC) are having a bad day. I think the opposite: in these situations are opportunities.”

Little did I know what I’d be dealing with a month and a half later. Still, I am trying to center this kind of mindset in an otherwise bleak moment. And a verse (Psalm 126:5) keeps ringing in my head, over and over: ha-zorim b’dimah, b’rinah yik’tzoru, those who sow in tears reap in joy.

There’s no silver lining here, folks. That’s disrespectful to the dead, and I just can’t bring myself to believe it. Still, it might be true—as the Psalm implies—that the greatest moments of joy can only be fully appreciated when we’ve known moments of desperation. That’s no silver lining, but it is context.

In this moment of tears, I want us to take stock of the nechamah, the comfort, some of our allies have extended us. These are the seeds we sow, which—God-willing—bear fruit in happier days.

Notes of support from non-Jewish allies include (but are certainly not limited to):

Governor Mike DeWine
OH Rep. Sara Carruthers
US Rep. Warren Davidson
Ohio House GOP
OH Rep. Thomas Hall
US Rep. Greg Landsman
Ohio House Democrats
OH Rep. Justin Pizzulli
US Rep. Brad Wenstrup
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati NAACP
Midwest USA Chinese Chamber of Commerce (in Chinese)

Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati: “It has been with great shock and horror that I, along with millions of other Americans, have followed news reports of the bloodshed and horrific atrocities committed these past few days of the Hamas attack on Israel commencing, despicably, on the holy celebration of Simchat Torah….The Archdiocese of Cincinnati cherishes its long-standing relationship with our friends throughout the local Jewish community, and we will not stand idly by in the face of any [antisemitic] acts. If at any time I can be of assistance to you in decrying anti-Semitism, please let me know.” (this is just an excerpt; full letter attached)

MARCC: “It is with a heavy heart I extend MARCC’s and my personal condolences to the loss of Israeli lives in the unprovoked attack by Hamas on Israel. It is a sad day for our world.”

FBI, Office of Public Affairs Assistant Director Cathy Milhoan: “As the devastation and brutality of the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas continues to become clear, I want you to know the FBI stands with the Jewish community. I feel deeply for the families of those killed, kidnapped, injured, and unaccounted for.”

Socialist Workers Party, Cincinnati: “We’re writing again on behalf of the Cincinnati branch of the Socialist Workers Party to reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with you and the Jewish community in speaking out against all acts of Jew-hatred.” (Delivered 9/30/23, affirmed 10/10/23)

St. Xavier High School: “On Saturday morning, Hamas militants invaded Israel killing hundreds and wounding thousands more. Israel has responded by declaring war on Palestine and initiating air assaults with planned troop invasions into the Gaza strip. I do not begin to understand fully the way to peace in the region. However, I do know and believe in the power of prayer. I ask you now to stop whatever you are doing and to please join me in taking a moment of silence to ask the creator for a peaceful and lasting resolution to this ongoing conflict in the Holy Land. Following this time of silence, I will conclude with a prayer from Cameron Bellm that was written in 2020 and posted on the Jesuits.org website but is sadly still appropriate today.” (Principal Dan Lynch’s weekly message to families)

These words won’t fix our most pressing, immediate problems. But they do help to sooth the pain on days like today.