Tzedek Update: August 22, 2025

In this issue:

• Supporting Our Neighbors food drive resumes
• New ADL US Jewish Policy Index
• What you need to know about the Nebraska-ICE Plan

Supporting Our Neighbors Campaign Resumes

The work of supporting the most vulnerable in our community is crucial to our values as a Jewish community.

This week, JCRC was invited to join partners from faith communities across Omaha to meet with Congressman Don Bacon, and Trinity Chappelear of Senator Pete Ricketts's office, to share concerns about cuts in vital programs that serve members of the community who are experiencing serious food insecurity. The interfaith coalition included clergy, professionals and volunteers from Bread for the World, Food Bank for the Heartland, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Nebraska Synod, The Tenth United Methodist Church, Hanscom Park United Methodist Church, Christ the King Lutheran Church, All People’s Pantry, the National Association of Social Workers, The Peoples’ Project, supporters, and college students. 

Budget cuts, and the elimination of programs deemed unnecessary by the USDA, have reduced supplies and funding leaving shelves and entire sections of warehouses and neighborhood pantries, like San Andres, empty. 

The food pantry that we help to support in South Omaha has had to reduce their distribution from weekly to every other week. However, the 130 family units who were being served at the beginning of the summer has grown to 205 since ICE started operations and raids in Omaha.

Therefore, after a pause in July, JCRC is resuming our Supporting Our Neighbors campaign to aid families affected by recent ICE raids in the region. Some families are coping with separation, economic hardship, and emotional strain. The most urgent need is for food and personal care/hygiene products. Click here for the list of the most needed items. Check out our Facebook and Instagram to share this campaign with your friends and neighbors!

Please bring donations to the JCC front entrance Monday-Friday during regular business hours until further notice. We are coordinating with our partners in the immigrant community for distribution. Thank you for your generosity during this distressing time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Pam Monsky or Sharon Brodkey at the JCRC office.

ADL US Jewish Policy Index

The Jewish Policy Index (JPI) is a first-of-a-kind tool developed by the Ratings & Assessments Institute (RAI) to systematically assess the alignment of state-level policies that are crucial in addressing antisemitism. Unlike assessments that might rank states based on their overall environment for Jewish residents, the JPI focuses specifically on evaluating the policy landscape in each state.

The ADL has ranked Nebraska as a Progressing State, learn more below.

Tell Your Governor to Stand Against Antisemitism in Schools

Tuesday, August 19 at 2:00 PM ET

Earlier this month, the Representative Assembly of the National Education Association – the nation’s largest teachers’ union – passed a motion proposing a boycott of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a 100-year old Jewish organization widely recognized for its expertise in fighting antisemitism and bias. This wasn’t just a vote about curriculum—it reflects a growing campaign to marginalize Jewish voices in our schools and beyond.

While the NEA Executive Committee and Board of Directors appropriately acted swiftly to veto the ADL boycott, antisemitism in K-12 spaces remains a serious concern.

In the News

Pope Leo XIV has the chance to build upon 60 years of Catholic-Jewish friendship

Beyond pivotal declarations, many quieter meetings, interchanges and efforts have advanced collaborations between our communities and friendships between their leaders. 

Read more from National Catholic Reporter

What to know about Nebraska-ICE plan to retool McCook Work Ethic Camp

State senators reflect on plan to retool rehabilitative-focused facility into immigration detention center, impacts on prison system

Read more from The Nebraska Examiner

A conservative curriculum has been approved for public schools in eight states. What does it teach about Israel and Jews?

A conservative educational nonprofit that touts its Judeo-Christian, pro-Israel bonafides is now the creator behind a White House museum exhibit, a test for incoming teachers in Oklahoma, and approved curriculum in at least eight states’ public schools.

Read more from The Forward

2025-2026 Academic Year: Join JCRC on Campus!

If you know someone who would like to stay up to date with our work and legislative newsletter, please forward this email so they can subscribe!

Guided by Jewish values, the nonpartisan Jewish Community Relations Council works in common cause with other religious, racial, ethnic, and civic groups to foster a just, democratic, and pluralistic society. The JCRC advocates, educates, collaborates, and mobilizes action on issues important to the Jewish Community and greater community to fight antisemitism and hate in all its forms and promote the security of Israel and Jews everywhere.