Over the past several years, many of us have found ourselves having conversations we never expected to have. Conversations about antisemitism. Conversations about Israel. Conversations about Zionism.  Conversations about what it means to be visibly Jewish in our community, workplaces, schools, and social circles. Conversations about safety, belonging, and identity.

 

Last evening, the Federation Board of Trustees gathered for our monthly meeting. During our learning discussion, we spent an hour speaking openly and honestly about these very issues. It was not a formal presentation or strategic planning session. It was a conversation among community members who care deeply about Jewish life and the future of our community.

 

What emerged was a shared recognition that we are living through a period of rising antisemitism and increasing hostility directed at Jews. We spoke about the troubling tendency to conflate Jews and Israel, and how rhetoric aimed at Israel can too often spill over into hostility toward Jewish individuals and institutions. We shared concerns, experiences, frustrations, and fears. While our personal stories varied, there was a remarkable consistency in what people were feeling.

 

We spoke about the importance of relationships. Strong relationships with neighbors, colleagues, civic leaders, educators, clergy, and friends remain among our most powerful tools. When people know us, when they understand our values and our traditions, stereotypes lose their power and understanding can take root.

 

We also spoke about the importance of education—not only educating others, but educating ourselves. Understanding Jewish history, the long story of antisemitism, the complexities of Israel, and the resilience of the Jewish people helps us engage these challenges with confidence and perspective.

 

Importantly, we talked about the need to live our Judaism purposely and joyfully. Antisemitism cannot be allowed to define Jewish life. Our response must include celebrating our traditions, gathering in community, supporting one another, and taking pride in who we are. Jewish life has always been about far more than responding to hatred; it is about building, learning, giving, celebrating, and creating meaning.

 

I encourage you to have these difficult conversations with your family, your friends, your synagogue community, and your neighbors. Talk about what you are seeing and feeling. Listen to one another. Share experiences. Ask questions.

 

And know that you do not have to do it alone.

 

The Federation is here to help. Whether you would like to speak one-on-one, help connect us with local leaders or influencers, facilitate a community discussion, address a specific incident, or simply talk through a concern, we are available as a resource and a partner.

 

These are challenging times, but they are also times that call us to come together. Through relationships, education, advocacy, and a deep pride in our Jewish identity, we can meet this moment with strength, confidence, and hope.