JCRC Statements

    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 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,...

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...

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 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...

Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts rockets launched by Palestinians terrorists in the Gaza Strip, above the southern coastal city of Ashkelon, on May 10, 2021. (Jack Guez/AFP)   Dear Community, As global Jewry celebrated Yom Yerushalayim – the reunification of Jerusalem after the Six Day War – many Israelis sat in bomb shelters. Today alone, over 160 Hamas rockets were launched at Israel’s capital; and, for the first time since Operation Protective Edge in 2014, sirens rang in Jerusalem. The barrage of rocket attacks and unprovoked violence must stop. We stand in solidarity with Israel’s right to defend itself...

  Dear Community, JewishColumbus strongly condemns the seditious and violent riots that took place today at the United States Capitol Building. Since 1788, a peaceful transition of power has been the unwavering symbol of American democracy. It is far past time for our country to unite, put aside our differences and work as one towards a common purpose. Days before the election, our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) joined over 90 national and local Jewish organizations in a letter calling on our leaders at every level and branch of government to “recommit to our nation’s core democratic principles and oppose violence emerging...