This October had the highest number of reported antisemitic incidences, threats, and acts of violence since our partners’ founding at the Secure Community Network (SCN). That’s why the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is here to proactively prepare for and immediately respond to acts of hate.
This October had the highest number of reported antisemitic incidences, threats, and acts of violence since our partners’ founding at the Secure Community Network (SCN). That’s why the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is here to proactively prepare for and immediately respond to acts of hate. You can take action now by visiting jewishphilly.org/advocate. If you have experienced or know of an antisemitic incident, report it at jewishphilly.org/report.
Making Our Voices Heard
Tuesday, Nov. 14 was a day where we proudly made our voices heard in Washington D.C. and Harrisburg.
More than 2,500 local community members traveled on 39 Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia buses to Washington D.C. for The Jewish Federations of North America’s March for Israel on the National Mall. Greater Philadelphia marched with 290,000 people from all over the country, and 250,000 more watched online, in support of Israel, for the hostages to be released and against rising antisemitism. To learn more about this historic event — which was the largest Jewish gathering in U.S. history — click here.
On the same day, representatives from the Jewish Federation's Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and Culture Changing Christians traveled to Harrisburg to lobby for issues affecting both the Jewish and Black communities. In addition to advocating for pressing needs, the day of advocacy also served to continue the coalition's mission of reigniting the Black-Jewish unity seen during the Civil Rights era. One pressing need that they left with was to address and change the 2024 primary election date, currently scheduled during Passover. You can help by clicking here.
Securing Our Community
Since the war with Hamas began on Oct. 7, our partners at SCN – the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America – have seen in the month of October:
a 192% increase in incident reports when compared to the same timeframe last year
a 360% increase in incidents reported on college campuses between
over 860 events, including protests, counterprotests, and demonstrations with chants of “From the river to the sea,” “With blood and spirit Palestine will be free,” and calls for a “Jewish genocide”
Securing our communities right now is more important than ever. The Jewish Federation’s LiveSecure Campaign supports safety, resilience and security within the Jewish community of Greater Philadelphia. Funds through this campaign are matched 2:1 by The Jewish Federations of North America have already built safer spaces for our community members to practice, learn and live Judaism.
You can support our efforts to provide risk mitigation and security training to Jewish institutions throughout the Greater Philadelphia region at jewishphilly.org/livesecure.
#StandUptoJewishHate
The Jewish Federation joined the national #StandUptoJewishHate campaign in March 2023 to raise awareness and action about growing antisemitism in non-Jewish and Jewish communities. As you travel on your daily commutes, you can currently see our 17 billboards and metro signs as generously provided by the Tina Snider Foundation.
In a time where Jews are feeling alone as antisemitism reaches new peaks, you have the power to stand up and denounce hate.
In the wave of heightened antisemitism at colleges and universities, the Jewish Federation has been working closely with our partners on and off campuses to protect our next generation. We provide year-round funding to Hillels in Greater Philadelphia, perform safety and threat assessments for campuses, convene stakeholders and partners to devise and execute plans to prevent and address antisemitic incidents, and connect organizations with Hillels to provide emotional and mental support.
For preschool through high school students, the Jewish Federation, in partnership with SCN, is working to implement a crisis communications and student accountability platform, called RUVNA. The first community-wide safety and security project of its kind, the Jewish Federation is covering the upfront costs, training, software installations, maintenance and the first-year costs for full-time local Jewish day schools and preschools to participate in the system.
“History has shown that when united, we have accomplished a lot together. [We are working together] to help strengthen Black-Jewish relations and to build a foundation of open dialogue and understanding between us.” - Pastor Carl Day of Culture Changing Christians and partner on JCRC’s new Golden Age initiative
The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) has created two initiatives in an effort to unite the Greater Philadelphia community against growing antisemitism, anti-Israel animus and hate impacting underrepresented communities.
1. A new committee of local lay leaders and partner organizations, hosted by JCRC, has been meeting on a bi-weekly basis. The committee is also split into six working groups that are meeting weekly. The working groups are focused on areas, including: campus affairs, K-12 schools, interfaith affairs, government affairs, legal affairs, and public relations/education. You can advocate for change by clicking here.
2. For the last six months, the JCRC has partnered with Pastor Carl Day and his organization, Culture Changing Christians, to create a powerful alliance between the Jewish and Black communities in the region. Called the Golden Age, this initiative is rooted in shared dialogue and an understanding of each community’s experiences and challenges. The alliance focuses on combating racism, antisemitism and all forms of bigotry, enhancing security and violence prevention, and amplifying the social safety net in Greater Philadelphia. Their advocacy day, mentioned above, is the first step in launching this partnership imitative. Learn more here.
The Light in The Darkness
As we prepare for Chanukah, we are reminded that the eight nights are testament to the survival of the Jewish people. We will once again come together as a community throughout Greater Philadelphia, lighting the menorah to emanate light in this time of darkness and hate. Click here to what Chanukah events are happening in your neighborhood.
