JCRC Updates

    The Jewish Community Relations Council and the JewishColumbus Board are deeply disturbed by the events that transpired at the Worthington City Council meeting on September 16th. During the meeting, two individuals—who we have confirmed are not Worthington residents—engaged in egregious antisemitic outbursts, including the vile phrase, “F**k the Jews.” We acknowledge that City Councils have bylaws and procedures for public comment, but it is unacceptable that such blatant hate speech was neither addressed during the meeting nor denounced in the subsequent public statement. We have communicated our profound disappointment with the Council’s insufficient response. This instance of antisemitism...

Dear JewishColumbus Community, Overnight, a major escalation took place in Israel’s north. Thankfully, at this stage, there are no reports of Israeli lives lost, and the immediate threats to Israel seem to be over for now. In the early hours of this morning, IDF Intelligence said it had solid knowledge that a Hezbollah attack was imminent and that thousands of rockets were about to be launched toward Israel, with many aimed at Tel Aviv and other cities in the country’s center, as well as at some of the country’s most sensitive military and intelligence targets. As a result, at around 4:30 am, Israel launched a preemptive...

For many students and educators, the scale and violence of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the events that have unfolded since, have evoked many different thoughts and emotions. Our hearts are broken by the unprecedented massacre that killed more Jews than on any other single day since the Holocaust. The images are harrowing, and many community members have family or know someone in Israel, and they are fearful their children are not safe at school. It is important to be aware, especially as the enormity of the situation unfolds, that these events will likely spur...

Dear Community, JewishColumbus is aware of various news reports on the statement Hamas issued yesterday calling for a “General Mobilization” of the “Arab and Islamic world” this Friday, Oct 13. There is a lot of misinformation being spread on the internet, specifically on social media, which is why we are reaching out: 1. There have been no credible threats to the U.S. Jewish community arising from the recent events in Israel. However, it’s important to stay vigilant as situations can change rapidly, and individuals may be motivated to engage in harmful actions without warning, including continued in-person and online harassment, anti-Israel demonstrations,...

JewishColumbus and its Jewish Community Relations Council 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. October 7, 2023 1:25pm EST – Update from JewishColumbus President of the Board of Trustees & the President and Interim CEO: Dear Columbus Community, This morning we awoke to horrific news that Hamas terrorists launched an unprovoked and pre-meditated attack on Israel from Gaza. We usually don’t communicate on Shabbat and a holiday; however, this is different and unprecedented. It has...

  JewishColumbus and its Jewish Community Relations Council 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. July 11, 2023 10:55am EST – Update from Jewish Federations of North America: Today has seen very high tension in Israel, with perhaps the most significant developments since the new government was formed just over a half a year ago. The debate and protests over the issue of proposed judicial reforms intensified dramatically, with protest groups launching a “National Day...

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. July 5, 2023 11:27am EST – Update from Jewish Federations of North America: Following a difficult day in Israel, Israeli troops have withdrawn from Jenin, signaling the end of the two-day IDF operation there. One Israeli soldier was killed as the fighting drew to a close. Also yesterday, nine Israeli civilians were injured during a terror attack in North Tel Aviv. As we reported on Monday, Israel...

Jewish American Heritage Month is an exceptional occasion dedicated to the recognition and honor of the invaluable contributions made by Jewish Americans. However, our celebration extends far beyond a single month and encompasses the entire year! Since its establishment in 2006 and its annual reaffirmation, Jewish American Heritage Month provides an ongoing opportunity for all Americans to embrace and find inspiration in the extraordinary achievements of Jewish Americans throughout our nation’s rich history and diverse cultural tapestry. The impact of Jewish Americans resonates deeply in various domains, whether it be the captivating world of entertainment with iconic works like The...

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...