Year 2023 in Review

Jewish Resilience and Challenges

The year 2023 has been a tumultuous one for the Jewish Community, marked by both significant challenges and remarkable displays of resilience. From the Israeli-Hamas War, political controversies to natural disasters, tragic losses to historic events, this year has left an indelible mark on our collective memory.

2023 also marked some wonderful cultural moments in the arts, books and movies. Here is our review of 2023 highlights - see if you agree.

Historical Moments

Influential People

Famous Jews Who Have Passed

Sports Moments

Best Movies

NY News Stories

Best Books

What a year it has been.

These moments not only defined 2023 but also offer a glimpse into the resilient spirit of our community.

1. Judicial Israel reform controversy (January – October)
2. Earthquake in Turkey and Syria (February)
3. Tragic loss and strength: The Dee Family (April)
4. Israel turns 75. (April)
5. The summer of the Barbenheimer (July - August)
6. Landmark court cases: Affirmative action (June - August)
7. Hamas attacks on Israel (October - December)
8. Escalating tensions on college campuses (October - December)
9. March for Israel: Historic Jewish Rally (November)
10. Hostage release and temporary ceasefire (November - December)

Learn more about these moments that defined 2023!

Additional Historical Moments in 2023

1. The Inauguration of President-elect Benjamin Netanyahu: Netanyahu's return to power marks a significant moment in Israeli politics. His policies and stances on various issues will shape the country's future.
2. The Rise of Antisemitism: The recent surge in antisemitic incidents worldwide has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish communities. Efforts to combat this trend are crucial.
3. The Conflict in Ukraine and its Impact on Jewish Communities: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has displaced many Jewish people and affected Jewish communities in the region. Support and assistance for those affected are ongoing.
4. The Abraham Accords' Anniversary: The second anniversary of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries, will be a time for reflection and assessing their impact on regional dynamics.
5. Jewish Representation in Media and Arts: The increasing visibility and representation of Jewish people in various media and artistic platforms is a positive development, showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences.
6. Jewish Innovation and Technology: Jewish contributions to science, technology, and innovation continue to make a significant impact globally, driving progress in various fields.
7. Holocaust Remembrance and Education: Ongoing efforts to remember and educate about the Holocaust are essential to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
8. Jewish Cultural Festivals and Celebrations: Jewish holidays and cultural events throughout the year provide opportunities for spiritual reflection, community bonding, and the preservation of traditions.
9. Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation: Building bridges between different faiths and promoting interfaith understanding is crucial for fostering peaceful coexistence.
10. Jewish Philanthropy and Social Impact: Jewish charitable organizations and individuals continue to make a positive impact on society, addressing various social challenges.

Meet the most creative, innovative, ambitious, philanthropic and successful people.

Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State

Dr. Miriam Adelson, Philanthropist

Isaac Herzog, President of Israel

Noa Kirel, Singer, Israel

Jan Koum, Co-Founder, WhatsApp

Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Chief of General Staff, IDF

and many more...

The popularity of Jewish movies has grown significantly in recent years, with many films receiving critical acclaim and commercial success.

Some notable Jewish movies released in 2023 include:

1. The Fabelmans: A semi-autobiographical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, exploring the childhood and adolescence of a young Jewish boy who discovers his passion for filmmaking.
2. Armageddon Time: A coming-of-age drama set in 1980s Queens, New York, focusing on the friendship between a Jewish boy and an African-American boy, and the challenges they face in a racially divided society.
3. The Swimmer: A documentary about the life of Jewish-American swimmer Diana Nyad, who made headlines in 2013 when she became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage.
4. Golda: A biographical drama about the life of Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, and her role in shaping the nation's history.
5. Here We Are: A drama about a Jewish family living in New York City, exploring themes of identity, assimilation, and the challenges of raising children in a modern world.
6. Exodus 91: The true harrowing and untold story of Operation Solomon - the journey of 15,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel



These are just a few examples of the many Jewish movies that have been released in 2023. Each film offers a unique perspective on Jewish culture and experience, providing audiences with an opportunity to learn about and engage with Jewish history and identity.

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Thank You

for your participation and support of the Israel Film

Exodus 91: The Untold Story of Operation Solomon

• At our December 11th presentation, we had an audience of 100 people at Temple Emanu-El, NYC.
• 500 people streamed the movie at home.

JDAIM mission statement:

“Unite Jewish Communities worldwide to raise awareness and champion the rights of all Jews to be accepted and included in all aspects of Jewish life like everyone else.”

“Do not separate yourself

from the community”.

Pirkei Avot 25

Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is an annual observance held in February to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by Jewish people with disabilities and to promote their full inclusion in Jewish communities. The month was first established in 2009 by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and has since been adopted by Jewish communities around the world.

During JDAIM, Jewish communities host a variety of events and programs to educate people about disability awareness and inclusion, and to celebrate the contributions of Jewish people with disabilities. These events may include workshops, lectures, panel discussions, art exhibits, and social gatherings. JDAIM is also a time for Jewish organizations to reflect on their own practices and policies to ensure that they are inclusive of people with disabilities.

JDAIM is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by Jewish people with disabilities and to promote their full inclusion in Jewish communities. By working together, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive world for all Jews.

Click here to find out what you can do to help make a difference!

SAVE THE DATE: June 7-9, 2024

Registration Opens Soon!

Please Join us at our Quad Region Retreat as we Celebrate our Brotherhood with the Hudson Valley, Northern New Jersey

and Middle Atlantic Regions!

Camp Zeke 31 Barry Watson Way, Lakewood, PA 18439

Cost to Attend: $400 pp., Dbl. Occ.

Stipends Awarded by NYM Region: $250 pp.

Total Out of Pocket Cost: ONLY $150

Open to all NY Metro affiliated and paid club members!

For more information: JAY STEINMETZ

Cell: 516-435-5278 or JaySteinmetz56@gmail.com

What is antisemitism?

At a Jewish studies conference, scholars use the archives as a guide — and a warning

SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) — Did a New York City coffee shop’s workers quit over the owner’s pro-Israel stance? Was the library at Cooper Union barricaded to protect Jewish students inside from an angry pro-Palestinian mob?

Ten weeks into the Israel-Hamas war, these are the kinds of stories fueling angry debate on social media, with Jews charging bigotry and critics of Israel saying antisemitism is being weaponized to silence them.



These weren’t the kinds of events being debated — at least formally — at the 55th annual convention of the Association for Jewish Studies, held this week in San Francisco. Some 1,000 scholars gathered to network and share their latest research, which in the case of historians, Bible scholars and philosophers tends to look backwards, sometimes by centuries.

Click here to read the article and study!

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We are now accepting ads beginning January 2024.

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Reaching over 25,000 Families

New York Metro Region Newsletter

We are now accepting ads beginning January 2024.