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December 2024

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.

JCRC Staff Column

Our impact is our resilience


Steve Hunegs

Executive Director



Visiting Israel this past spring, I saw many examples of determination. One example imprinted in my memory: a school in Tiberias built from scratch in a manner of weeks for hundreds of students from families displaced by Hezbollah rocket fire. We follow in the steps of such resilience. 


The Jewish people are experiencing the most severe outbreak of global antisemitism since the Holocaust. From the subtle dismissals to overt harassment, discrimination, and violence, the virus of anti-Jewish bias and bigotry has infected ascendent political ideologies, and their adherents, in the United States and around the world.  


While our vigilance increases at home and our hearts remain broken for the victims of the October 7 massacre and the hostages still in Hamas captivity, we find a bottomless well of hope and resilience in the wisdom of our ancestors and in our obligations to each other. 


By educating, safeguarding, and advocating for our community, we are in constant pursuit of the adage: “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it” (Ethics of our Sages). 

 

We are pleased to report on our remarkable achievements and growth in 2024.

 

While this latest wave of antisemitism presents significant challenges to Jewish safety and belonging, you, our community, can feel assured that a dedicated team of professionals works around the clock on your behalf.  

 

As always, I thank our team for their tireless efforts, as well as our officers – led by board president Jacy Grais – board members, volunteers, contributors, and supporters for enabling us to replace darkness, despair, and lies with light, hope, and truth. 


2024 Impact Report

Upcoming Events

Coffee & Conversations Judaism Series: A Living Testimony From the Holocaust

Monday, December 16, 10:30-11:45 am

Minnetonka Community Center

Elly Fine Sternberg, granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, shares her family's story

Register



Defining Antisemitism

Sunday, January 26, 10:00-11:30 am

Mount Zion Temple

A panel discussion on when criticism of Israel becomes antisemitism

Register

Thank you to the over 250 guests who came to celebrate an early Hanukkah with us last night.

Photos: Darrell Owens Photography

Trending Now

One big thing we're focused on


October 7th is being normalized. JCRC is fighting back.


Here’s how we’re pushing back on three public attempts to normalize and justify the horrific atrocities Hamas committed in their invasion of Israel on October 7th.  

 

  1. Seven members of the Minneapolis City Council expressed support for the violent takeover of Morill Hall at the UofM. JCRC issued a joint statement applauding the response of President Cunningham and thanked Mayor Frey for his veto. We also appreciate the six members who sustained Mayor Frey’s veto. "It sounded like it was our Minnesota version of what happened at the our nation’s capital on January 6th of 2021,” said Roberts. “I know the protesters want to present themselves as peaceful protesters, but they’re not — not just because of what they did on October 21st but their rhetoric that goes back to last spring and before that, at Coffman Union on campus.” - Ethan Roberts, Deputy Executive Director as quoted in MPR.
  2. The Minneapolis teacher’s union “Educators for Palestine” affinity group brought in a guest speaker who celebrates violence and Jew hatred. The event was moved after JCRC, Mayor Frey, and Jewish union members pushed for the union to disassociate itself from this event. 
  3. The St. Paul teacher’s union passed a resolution justifying October 7th as “resistance.” Together with St. Paul Public Schools teachers and parents, JCRC organized an open letter urging SPPS to require our Jewish Identity and Antisemitism training for all staff. Our letter was sent to the Superintendent and School Board with over 500 signatures and covered in the Pioneer Press.  

 

In all three instances, JCRC organized and spoke out against dangerous rhetoric that normalizes or justifies the Oct. 7 invasion. We’re advocating against harmful ideas and educating leaders and stakeholders to understand Jewish peoplehood, spot antisemitism, and effectively respond.  

Building Bridges

Recent impact highlights from JCRC

Education

American Jewish history on its way to Smithsonian


Mazel tov to our colleagues at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History on legislation passing unanimously in the House and Senate and signed into law by President Biden, forming a commission to study the potential transfer of the National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian!


We are proud to be a partner with the Weitzman on developing a national educational curriculum on American Jewish history for primary and secondary schools.


Stay updated

Education

Cultivating understanding and friendship between staff and members

Thanks to a generous donor, JCRC will be hosting training sessions for Minnesota JCC staff members about Judaism and Jewish identity. Understanding the culture and practice of the community they serve is a vital part of cultivating an atmosphere of friendship and understanding between staff and members. We are excited to assist our partners at the Minnesota JCC in bringing their values to practice.

Bridging the Gap

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

Read

This Dangerous Jewish Moment

American Bar Association, Yossi Klein Halevi




Watch

How to 'Make Your Campus Palestinian'

The Free Press, Olivia Reingold

Listen

What is Zionism (and Why Does it Matter)? - with Dr. Michael Oren

Boundless Insights, Aviva Klompas

JCRC in the Media

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

Featured media highlights

Pioneer Press: SPPS teachers, parents, members in letter to district call for training to address antisemitism

MPR News: Frey vetoes measure supporting pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied U of M building

TC Jewfolk: Controversial Speaker Not Using Union Hall For 'Educators 4 Palestine' Event

WCCO: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks out against Educators for Palestine event

Jewish Insider: Minneapolis teachers’ union under fire for promoting antisemitic speaker at seminar

Star Tribune: Minneapolis mayor, Jewish group want teachers union to cancel event with antisemitic speaker

CBS News: St. Paul teacher union resolution would call for end of U.S. aid to Israel, sparking concerns of antisemitism

JTA: As Schumer presses ahead with Antisemitism Awareness Act, concerns about free speech resurface



See all coverage


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