Security isn’t just about protection.
It’s about making Jewish life possible.

At JewishColumbus, combating hate begins with a powerful belief: the best response to antisemitism is a Jewish community that lives openly, vibrantly, and without fear.

This year, more than $1.2 million in state and federal funding was secured to strengthen the safety and security of Jewish institutions across Central Ohio. This critical investment was made possible through the tireless advocacy of Ohio Jewish Communities’ Howie Biegelman and the leadership of Bill Byers, a steadfast champion and Co-Chair of JewishColumbus’ JCRC.

These funds are already making a meaningful difference at synagogues, schools, and community spaces. Across the community, they are supporting upgraded camera systems, mobile security for outdoor events, improved coordination with law enforcement, and dedicated resource officers.

Together, these investments help ensure that Jewish life in Central Ohio can be lived openly, confidently, joyfully, and safely.

JewishColumbus’ JCRC hosted its first Superintendents Breakfast, bringing together district leaders from across Central Ohio for a meaningful conversation about supporting Jewish students and strengthening safe, inclusive school communities.

Held at Beth Tikvah, the gathering included superintendents from Bexley, Gahanna, New Albany, Worthington, Westerville, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Olentangy, Franklin County, and Canal Winchester. Because apparently getting that many school leaders in one room before lunch is itself a minor civic miracle.

The morning highlighted the educational programs and resources JCRC offers to school districts, including Holocaust education training, peer-to-peer student learning opportunities, and tools to help educators better understand and respond to the needs of Jewish students.

This inaugural gathering marks an important step forward in strengthening relationships with district leadership and ensuring that schools across Central Ohio have access to the knowledge, resources, and partnerships they need.

Through this work, JewishColumbus is helping create school communities where all students feel safe, understood, and valued.

Local teen presenters participating in the national Student to Student program visited Westerville North and Olentangy Berlin High Schools, engaging more than 220 students across multiple classroom sessions.

Through personal storytelling, students shared what being Jewish means in their daily lives, from observing kashrut and celebrating Jewish traditions to exploring cultural connections with Israel. Their presentations offered an authentic, peer-led window into Jewish life for schools with little Jewish representation.

The visits helped foster inclusive dialogue, build understanding, and break down stereotypes. They also created meaningful opportunities for engagement with school leadership, including administrators and the district superintendent.

Made possible with the support of teacher sponsor Aaron Taylor, a 2023 CJN Difference Maker, the program highlights the power of students learning directly from their peers. Because apparently teenagers can sometimes explain humanity to each other better than adults with committees and name tags.

As Student to Student continues to resonate with both presenters and audiences, JewishColumbus looks forward to expanding the program in the coming school year, with applications opening in late spring.