JCRC Updates

JewishColumbus and its Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) are proud to announce that Columbus City Council has officially proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Jewish American Heritage Month serves as an important reminder that the story of Jewish Americans is interwoven into the fabric of our nation’s history. It is a testament to the resilience, determination and extraordinary contributions made by individuals of Jewish descent to all parts of society – from the arts, sciences and business to public service, social justice and philanthropy. As a community, it is our responsibility to ensure that the struggles, achievements and cultural heritage...

Lauren Nemerovski Joins JewishColumbus to Fight Antisemitism and Promote Education JewishColumbus is excited to announce the appointment of Lauren Nemerovski as their newest Manager of Israel & Community Relations. Nemerovski brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Originally from Chicago, IL, Nemerovski moved to Aspen, CO at the age of 13 before attending the University of Michigan where she earned a Bachelor in International Relations and Political Science and a minor in Judaic Studies with a concentration on the Holocaust. She later earned her Masters with a focus in Security and Diplomacy from Tel Aviv University.  While...

Dear Community, As we welcome a new Shabbat, our hearts are with Israel and its citizens facing an escalation of rocket attacks aimed at Israeli cities and communities. Now entering a fourth day, Israelis across southern and central Israel have braved an onslaught of over 880 rockets. Thanks to the Iron Dome, over 260 of those rockets have been intercepted. Despite the optimism that a ceasefire was likely yesterday morning, within a few hours Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) fired barrages of rockets at Israeli population centers. We were horrified to learn that one person was killed and several injured after...

JewishColumbus is committed to keeping you up to date on the latest developments in Israel. Please check back here for the latest updates. For links to more resources regarding Israel please click here. May 15, 2023 4:00pm EST – Update from Jewish Federations of North America: An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) took effect at 10:00pm Israel Time on Saturday night. So far, it seems to be holding. Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said, “Quiet will be answered with quiet. (But) if Israel is attacked or threatened, it will continue to do everything it needs...

JewishColumbus and the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) stand with Evan Gershkovich, and you can, too. In March 2023, The Wall Street Journal’s (WSJ) Evan Gershkovich was arrested by Russian authorities on false charges of espionage. Both WSJ and Evan strongly deny Russia’s allegations and the United States government has designated this arrest as a wrongful detention of an American journalist. Evan is the son of Russian-speaking Jewish immigrants who made their home in New Jersey. Help us support Evan by signing this letter drafted by JFNA to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, which expresses our strong support...

Dear Friends, In one month Israel will mark her 75th year of Independence. It is a truly historic event that will be proudly celebrated here in Columbus as well across the globe. We recognize as we commemorate this momentous occasion, discussion of Israel in recent months has been emotionally charged. Many of you have reached out to share your anxieties and fears over the news regarding judicial reforms. We all care deeply for the State of Israel, and our support as a Jewish community in Columbus is unwavering and everlasting. Each of us have a different connection to and experience with...

Bringing more than two decades of FBI experience to JewishColumbus security initiatives  How do we combat antisemitism? The answer to this question involves a complex tapestry of initiatives that blanket our community — from education and advocacy to security. Recently, JewishColumbus took a vital step forward to elevate our security efforts by welcoming Steve Flowers to the team.  A retired Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent with more than 23 years of experience, 17 of which were spent on a Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Flowers is a natural fit for the role of security director. In his previous role...

  Dear Community, JewishColumbus was informed of a credible antisemitic threat from a private security guard employed at Columbus Torah Academy. Law enforcement identified the source and took necessary steps to nullify the threat. We commend and thank the quick-thinking law enforcement officials at local, state and national agencies. Their training, planning and professionalism prevented what could have been a tragedy. Making sure Jews can live safely as Jews is our top priority at JewishColumbus and we will remain in close contact with our law enforcement partners as this investigation continues. We strongly believe that those implicated in this threat will be held...

  Our mission at JewishColumbus is to maintain a strong and vibrant Jewish community in Columbus and beyond. With our funding, programming and agency partnerships, we provide a space where every member of our community can feel a sense of safety and belonging. One of the fundamental ways through which we achieve this is our unwavering focus on ensuring the physical security of our members.  Coming together to protect our community is as important as ever following the heart-wrenching hostage situation in the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. While thankfully no members were harmed, it serves as a...