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Dear JCRB|AJC Community,
In this newsletter, we are proud to spotlight an outstanding young leader in our community: Gavin, a participant in this year’s Leadership for Tomorrow (LFT) program.
This spring, Gavin joined fellow young Jewish leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C., where they advocated against antisemitism and met directly with elected officials to discuss issues impacting the Jewish community. His reflection below speaks to the impact of empowering the next generation to lead with courage, pride, and purpose.
We are continually inspired by the passion and leadership of young people like Gavin and we remain committed to investing in the next generation of Jewish leaders.
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Neta Meltzer
Executive Director
Bert Berkley Chair for Community Relations
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"Along with 19 other Jewish high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, I recently graduated from JCRB|AJC's Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) program. As part of the experience, we recently traveled to Washington D.C. for the LFT summit, where me and other young Jewish students from across the world, including Israelis, took part in talking to elected officials in an effort to advocate against antisemitism. We shared stories about what we were experiencing in our schools and how elected leaders can help protect us.
In addition to the Summit, we’ve also been meeting as a cohort once a month for seven months to discuss how to best deal with antisemitism when we come across it in our schools, work, and even with friends. It has allowed us all to have an even greater sense of community and to feel united in our struggle against the harm we are facing around the world right now.
This program has shown me that at some point in my life whether sooner or later, someone will expect me as the only Jewish person they know to speak on behalf of all the Jews and defend them against harmful stereotypes or misinformation. This has inspired me more than I already was to become educated on my history and ongoing history so that I can be prepared to show someone their misunderstanding if I am ever needed to.
Thank you to JCRB|AJC and its supporters for this experience."
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Gavin
2025-2026 LFT Alumni
| | American Jewish Committee (AJC) Global Forum | | |
JCRB|AJC board members, staff, and an amazing Leaders For Tomorrow (LFT) student attended American Jewish Committee (AJC) Global Forum 2026 in Washington, D.C., where over 2,000 advocates from across the globe came together to tackle the most pressing issues facing the Jewish people, Israel, America, and the world. Our group heard from influential leaders and explored the key political, strategic, and social concerns affecting Israel and the global Jewish community.
| | Our community came together in a powerful way at this year’s Unity Seder, welcoming nearly 200 guests for an evening of shared stories, traditions, and reflection across backgrounds. It was a meaningful night of connection, learning, and renewed commitment to building community together. Thank you to all who joined us and helped make the evening so special. A special thank you to Church of the Resurrection and Jewish Vocational Services, as well as all our speakers, partners, and attendees. | | Kansas Jewish Advocacy Day | | |
In early March, more than 20 community members traveled to Topeka for our Kansas Jewish Advocacy Day, engaging with over 25 legislators on issues impacting both the Jewish community and our broader Kansas neighbors. Throughout the day, participants shared perspectives, built relationships, and helped elevate the concerns and priorities of our community at the state level.
| | Stories That Must Be Told | | |
At JCRB|AJC's program, Stories That Must Be Told, our community gathered for a powerful and moving conversation on Jewish resilience with former American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO David Harris, centering the experiences of Jewish communities who were forced to flee persecution and the enduring lessons their histories hold today. Through shared reflection and dialogue, the program offered both perspective and connection.
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Archbishop McKnight visits the Kansas City Jewish Community | |
Archbishop McKnight joined JCRB|AJC for a visit to the Kansas City Jewish community. His visit included tours of MCHE, HBHA, and the JCC, along with conversations with key community leaders to better understand our work in action. The day offered a meaningful opportunity to share perspectives, deepen understanding, and strengthen relationships across communities.
| Representative Sharice Davids engages with Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) | |
We were honored to welcome Representative Davids to meet with our Leaders For Tomorrow (LFT) cohort a few weeks ago. The visit offered a meaningful opportunity for participants to engage directly in conversation about leadership, public service, and issues impacting our community. Cohort members were able to share their perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and gain insight into the legislative process from a firsthand source.
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We’re proud to share that JCRB|AJC has been selected as a recipient of a $1,250 Senior Impact Grant from the B’nai Tzedek Youth Council’s graduating class. This special Jewish Community Foundation grant reflects the care, collaboration, and community-minded leadership of these young philanthropists, who thoughtfully directed their giving to organizations making a meaningful impact. We were also grateful for the opportunity to participate in this year’s B’nai Tzedek Shuk, where Youth Council members connected directly with local agencies as part of their hands-on grantmaking process. Our sincere thanks to the graduating seniors for their generosity and for the intention they bring to strengthening our community’s future.
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JCRB|AJC intern Samantha Sandler has graduated! Throughout the past year, Sami has brought thoughtfulness, creativity, and a genuine passion for Jewish community to everything she has done at JCRB|AJC, and we are so grateful for her many contributions. As an alumna of both our Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) and Student to Student (STS) programs, Sami represents the meaningful impact of investing in young Jewish leaders and helping them grow into engaged advocates and community builders. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and cannot wait to see all that lies ahead. Sami, we know you are going to shine next year at the University of Maryland!
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Calling all high school students: Applications are now open for two impactful programs!
Our community needs informed and empowered young Jewish advocates, and AJC's Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) 2026-2027 cohort will meet monthly during the school year to accomplish this. We'll be accepting rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
And in its second year in Kansas City, Student to Student (STS) empowers Jewish students to visit area schools to share their experiences of being Jewish. We seek rising juniors and seniors from all Jewish backgrounds for our 2026-2027 cohort. Help us reduce antisemitism by increasing awareness and familiarity!
Learn more about both programs on our website here and apply below today! Email rachelk@jewishkc.org for more information.
| | JCRB|AJC works with government officials, schools, the media, and law enforcement to ensure that issues of importance to the Jewish community are heard and considered, and to navigate antisemitic incidents on behalf of our community when they arise. If you have experienced an incident of antisemitism, or know of someone who has, please take a moment to complete an Incident Report or Student Incident Report. Your information will remain confidential. | | |
More than 1,000 volunteers are needed August 2 to 7 to support the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games as Kansas City welcomes athletes, coaches and families from around the world.
Volunteer roles include greeting guests, serving meals and assisting at events throughout the week. Community members can also get involved by serving as host families.
Volunteer sign-ups open soon, register now to be notified when the shifts open.
Learn more at https://jcckcmaccabi.org/.
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