ADL Midwest: Anti-Jewish Incidents up 68% in the Midwest

For the first time in the history of the Audit, a majority (58%) of all incidents contained elements related to Israel or Zionism. A large portion of Israel-related antisemitic incidents occurred at or in the vicinity of anti-Israel protests. Out of over 5,000 anti-Israel rallies tracked by ADL in 2024, 2,596 involved antisemitic messaging in the form of signs, chants or speeches.

Read the 2024 ADL Audit

Conflict arises during debate on bill to extend SNAP eligibility levels

A bill that would extend an expanded eligibility threshold for Nebraska food benefits has advanced to its final lawmaking round, but not before a latecomer amendment that some described as hostile was debated and defeated.

Read more from the Nebraska Examiner

Marriage and family therapist licensing reciprocity expanded, advanced

A bill that would allow marriage and family therapists from other jurisdictions to more easily obtain a Nebraska license was expanded and given second-round approval April 23.

Read more from Unicameral Update

From our colleagues at Nebraska Women's Fund

The bills working to overturn voter-approved ballot initiatives could be scheduled for second round debate at any time. To ensure all workers are able to earn and use paid sick leave, contact your senator to oppose LB 415. Bonus action: sign the petition to demand the legislature honor the will of voters.

We also expect LB 258 to come up for debate again soon. This bill would create a sub-minimum wage for workers under 20. Passing by just one vote during the first round, please keep contacting senators to oppose LB 258.

From our colleagues at the Institute for Holocaust Education

Nebraska Holocaust Commemoration

Sunday, April 27th at 2:00 PM | State Capitol Rotunda, Lincoln, NE

The commemoration will include a candle lighting ceremony with local survivor family members and liberators, readings, music, and youth participation.

We hope you will attend.

For questions or information visit: JewishLincoln.org or contact IHE at info@ihene.org or (402)334-6575.

May 7 | 8:30-10:00 AM | Wiesman Reception Room

Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer 

The Moral, The Political, and The Partisan: Jewish Community in a Partisan Age

Proudly co-sponsored by the JCRC and Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

As partisan politics continues to shape American public discourse, the Jewish community struggles to define the commitments we are meant to share with each other and to find ways to hold together across difference. How can we identify the kinds of ideas and ideals that should transcend what divides us? And how might we imagine Jewish community in a divided America?

May 12 at 12:00 PM | Tiffany Friesen Milone

Tiffany Friesen Milone, Deputy Director for OpenSky will join the next JCRC Public Policy Committee meeting to talk about their work analyzing data to help lawmakers and citizens in adopting sound policy in Nebraska. The meeting is May 12 at noon in person at the JCC, or via Zoom.

Donate to the JCRC Omaha 2025 Campaign

JCRC serves as the bridge that connects the Omaha Jewish community with other communities across our city. We work tirelessly to advocate for policies that combat antisemitism, protect our rights and the civil rights of others, and protect the most vulnerable members of our society.

With your support, the JCRC will continue to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and tolerant society—one that stands firm against hatred, discrimination, and injustice.

Thank you for your support in making this work possible. Your contribution truly makes a difference, not just today, but for generations to come.