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June 2025

Welcome to Gesher (‘Bridge’ in Hebrew) – JCRC's monthly impact newsletter to keep you informed on our work and the challenges and opportunities before our community.

From Our Executive Director

A note from Steve Hunegs:


The world is a safer place today thanks to Israel’s inevitable strike on the Islamic Republic of Iran, as its ambitions of building a nuclear weapon were nearing the point of no return. Israel targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, missile stockpiles, and top military commanders.


We are hopeful this bold action will usher in a new era of peace to the Middle East and accelerate the long-overdue liberation of the Iranian people from the grip of their brutal regime. Our hearts are with our sisters and brothers in Israel and with American service members across the Middle East.


Shabbat Shalom,

Steve Hunegs, Executive Director


JCRC Security is working closely with law enforcement to monitor for any potential domestic reactions to these events. We encourage our community to remain vigilant while continuing usual activities with strength and unity. Hear more from our Director of Community Security in the staff column below.

JCRC Staff Column

We Will Not Be Cowed: Securing Our Community in a Time of Rising Threats


Rob Allen

Director of Community Security



An arson attack at the home of the Jewish Governor of Pennsylvania. The cold-blooded murder of two Israeli embassy staffers on the streets of our Capitol. A firebomb attack on a peaceful march remembering the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7.


These horrible events come amid a broader and disturbing trend: a sharp rise in antisemitism fueled by a triple threat of far-right, far-left, and Islamist extremists.


The security challenges facing our Jewish community are very real — and JCRC is working every day to help keep us safe.



Continue reading


Harvey A. Feldman z"l was honored at our Annual Event for his major gift to enhance community security. Please take the opportunity to honor his legacy with a donation to JCRC to secure our community and protect our institutions.

Statements

What “Globalize the Intifada” Looks Like to Our Jewish Community


Trending Now

One big thing we're focused on

Darrell Owens Photography

We thank all who attended and supported our 2025 Annual Event featuring Dr. Mijal Bitton, and honoring Gary Tankenoff, z’’l and Harvey Feldman, z’’l.

 

In the wake of the recent antisemitic attacks in Washington, D.C. and Boulder, coming together as a community of Jews and allies—clergy and elected officials, veterans and members of the MN National Guard, teachers and district leaders, advocates and civic partners—was a powerful testament to our shared strength and resolve.

 

This message echoed throughout the evening. Dr. Bitton reminded us that being Jewish is “more than just inheriting an identity… it’s about choosing to show up and continuing to show up again and again.”

 

Senator Amy Klobuchar, speaking at our cocktail reception, was moved by the turnout of more than 600 guests: “The power comes from the people. One of the things you’ve done with JCRC so effectively is to make your voices heard—against antisemitism, for peace in the Middle East, for Israel—and I want to thank you for that.”

 

Thank you to all who showed up—for our community and for our shared future. Our work is only possible because of your generous support. And there is still time to give—or deepen your support—for the 2025 Annual Event, our single largest fundraiser of the year.

 

Your continued support powers our work. Please consider making a gift—or deepening your support—today.

We thank our 2025 Annual Event sponsors



Platinum: Bryan and Nina Badzin; Stan and Amy Baratz​; Elmar Family Foundation​; Factory Motor Parts – SPLASH​; Mark and Debbie Glotter​; Jacy and Jason Grais​; Hunegs, LeNeave & Kvas P.A.​; Stan and Jeanne Kagin​; Susie and Hart Kuller; Gail and Steve Machov​; Minnesota Vikings​; Kevin & Nancy Rhein​; Sharron Steinfeldt


Gold: Allianz of America/Allianz Life​; Robert and Roberta Aronson​; Cozen O’Connor; The Mike & Linda Fiterman Family Foundation​; Fredrikson and Byron, P.A.; Steven and Bonnie Heller​; Gayle Kaplan​; Andrea Kaufman and Jim Jacobson; Lerner Publishing; Living Word Christian Center; Madeira Partners LLC​; Debbie and Gil Mann; Maslon LLP; Jeff Oberman and Kathy Conner​; Jon and Robin Parritz​; Mark and Beth Robbins​; Allen & Linda Saeks​; Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux


Silver: Best Buy​; Holly and Jon Brod Farber​; CBIZ, LLC; Judy and Richard Cook; Dorsey and Whitney LLP​; Jewish Family & Children’s Service ​of Minneapolis​; Wendy and Nissim Khabie; Don and Rhoda Mains; Mall of America; Milavetz Law, P.A.​; Minneapolis Public Schools Families; Sholom/Sholom Foundation​; Stinson LLP; Dina Wolkoff


Upcoming Events

Power of Place: 2025 European Summer Institute for Holocaust Educators 

June 13-24

25 participants from 12 states and Canada have just embarked on our experiential professional development tour through Europe. Follow their experience on our social media.


Read the first participant blog post of the trip: 'The Truth Will Stand When the World's on Fire'


I cried today..

Bridging the Gap

Top additions to our Resource Page for understanding and addressing the Israel-Hamas war

Read

'An immediate operational necessity': Why Israel finally attacked Iran's nuclear facilities

Times of Israel, David Horovitz



Watch

Episode 16: Hamas and the broken promise of 150 years of Islamic reform

Ask Haviv Anything, Haviv Rettig Gur

Listen for mention of JCRC and dedication to Netta Epstein z"l, murdered on Oct 7, who attended Herzl Camp

Listen

Welcome to the Global Intifada

Honestly, Bari Weiss


JCRC in the Media

Media coverage that includes the consensus public affairs voice of the Jewish community

Featured media highlights

TPT PBS Almanac: Antisemitic Attacks 2025 - JCRC's Steve Hunegs reflects on attacks in D.C. and Boulder, CO

MPR News: JCRC leader reacts to attacks in Boulder, uptick in antisemitism

KTSP: Heightened security and vigilance in Jewish community following Boulder firebombing

WCCO - Adam and Jordana: Jordana has a forceful response to the attack in Boulder (Steve Hunegs at 13:02)

TC Jewfolk: Sociologist, Scholar Mijal Bitton Speaking At JCRC Annual Event

TC Jewfolk: Local Organization Statements On Washington, D.C. Shooting At Capital Jewish Museum

KSTP: Leader of Minnesota's Jewish community speaks on security after murders of Embassy staffers


See all coverage


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