Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)

This post announced the event, but I’ve added the link to some great photos from the meeting here. — Sarah

Inclusion Through Collaboration / Our 76th Annual Meeting

On Monday night, Cincinnatians passionate about ensuring an inclusive and collaborative Queen City will join together for the 76th Annual Meeting of the Jewish Community Relations Council.

JCRC was founded in the 1930s as the Nazi movement rose to power in Europe and antisemitic sentiment was commonplace in the United States. While American radios broadcasted the hate speech of Father Coughlin, JCRC endeavored to eradicate anti-Semitism in all its forms while promoting just and equitable society for all. These ideals saw JCRC take an active role in the planning of Cincinnati’s 1963 March for Jobs and Equality; thousands of Cincinnatians united on Fountain Square supporting Civil Rights for all Americans. Recognizing the necessity of effective interfaith dialogue, JCRC supported the formation of the Metropolitan Area Religious Collation of Cincinnati (MARCC) in 1968. JCRC’s commitment to diverse discourse continues today and includes JCRC Board Member Rabbi Margie Meyer serving as MARCC’s President.

Responding to injustices locally and globally, JCRC sprang into action by leading local efforts to free Soviet Jews during the 1970s and 1980s. During a resurgence of racial and antisemtic hate in the 1990s, JCRC organized local demonstrations against White Nationalist Groups. JCRC remains committed to the right of Jews to exist safely and securely worldwide from Cincinnati to Paris.

The past few years have seen JCRC challenge the delegitimization of Israel and lend support to the European Jewish communities as they face a rise in violent anti-Semitism.

Inspired by the JCRC’s role in the civil rights movement, we continue to work with diverse community partners to further the aims of the “In Search of a Common Agenda” initiative. Leaders from the African-American and Jewish Communities collaborate in projects including professional networking and joint social action projects. As our nation renews its focus on race relations, JCRC co-hosted a Civil Rights Awareness Dialogue in December attended by government officials and community activists. Another exciting partner initiative was a screening of Hate Crimes in the Heartland, a film exploring racial issues in America.

Bolstering Cincinnati’s economy, the Cincinnati-Israel Business Initiative – a collaborative effort with the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce supported by JCRC, recently announced that Israeli Company CEMax has begun hiring Cincinnatians in preparation for their Cincinnati office opening.

For 76 years, JCRC remains committed to strengthening Cincinnati. We invite you to join us Monday night as Mayor Cranley addresses the relationship between a strong interfaith community and Cincinnati’s revitalization as a center of opportunity and innovation.

The inaugural Dick Weiland Community Relations Awards will be presented to iconic Cincinnatians exemplifying Dick’s ability to promote inclusion through collaboration to addresses issues facing Cincinnati. Like JCRC, honorees Brett Caller, Anne Heldman, Francie Hiltz, Rev. Dr. Damon Lynch Jr. and the Rumpke Family have each played a major role in strengthening Cincinnati and preparing it for a promising future. This event is free of charge and open to the Cincinnati Community. It will take place on June 8th at the Mayerson JCC from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. To RSVP, please email Seth Harlan at sharlan@jfedcin.org or call (513) 985-1504.