Antisemitism climbs — and moves closer to home
Jewish Federation’s decisive action makes a difference
Rising antisemitism hit home in 2022, with incidents from Edison, Old Bridge, New Brunswick, and South Brunswick to Aberdeen, Deal, Howell, Manalapan, and many other towns.
As our JCRC and Security teams continued scheduling neighborhood, synagogue, and other small group briefings on hate-based threats — with talks scheduled in Monroe, Red Bank, and East Brunswick through Feb., 2023...
Federation pushed back on bias and threats through • ADVOCACY and • SECURITY INITIATIVES Our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) put the needs of Jews in front of federal, state, and local lawmakers through working meetings and missions to Washington, multicultural alliances, training advocates, testimony before Congress and NJ’s Legislature, and drafting language for bills addressing antisemitism and security. A FEW HIGHLIGHTS: NJ’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program became permanent, ensuring synagogues, JCCs, and Jewish schools, cultural centers, and agencies can continue to pursue funds for security improvements. Funding was increased to $5M.
IN 2022, JEWISH FEDERATION SECURITY INITIATIVES: • guided 140+ Jewish institutions on obtaining security grants • provided specific application input for more than 20 • helped bring another $3.5M for security enhancements to our community, making the total $11.5M to date • facilitated Blue Sky Day meetings between local law enforcement and Jewish leaders to strengthen relationships and preparedness before an emergency occurs • provided access to security training and assessments for hundreds of communal leaders — and more
On Nov. 3, 2022, the FBI warned the Jewish community of a threat to synagogues in NJ; we later learned it was HERE in our “heart of NJ” counties.
The Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act was funded at $5M for FY22 and $10M for FY23, giving law enforcement better resources to identify and punish those who commit hate crimes.
Immediately, our Director of Security Initiatives contacted law enforcement; activated the community-wide Leaders’ Alert System; coordinated between organizations, law enforcement, and private security providers; and advised the broader community through broadcast and social media.
In 2022, we began working with Senator Vin Gopal (NJ-11) to improve Holocaust and genocide education in NJ public schools. Together, we drafted S3145; it passed the Senate Education Committee in December — an important first step. We will continue advocating for S3145 and its counterpart NJ Assembly bill, A4720, to ensure an appropriate and uniform curriculum is taught statewide.
When war began in Ukraine Feb. 24, 2022, it sparked one of the worst humanitarian crises of our age. Federation was there on Feb. 24 — moving people to safety and caring for those unable to flee — because we were there Feb. 23 and 22 and for 40 years prior, helping build Jewish life in the former Soviet Union. On Feb. 24, that all became the foundation for crisis response in Ukraine, the region, and Israel: • • • • • • • •
Setting up hotlines connecting 400,000+ calls Evacuating 82,000+ people Providing healthcare to 138,000+ people Serving meals to 265,000+ people Helping 34,000+ people make aliya to Israel Delivering 2.7M pounds of clothing and hygiene supplies Providing vital necessities to 42,900 refugees Sustaining Jews: 19,000 elderly and 2,700 poor children
LEADERS’ ALERT SYSTEM: KEY IN RESPONSE TO THREAT
Federal Nonprofit Security Grant funds rose from $180M to $270M for FY22 and $305M for FY23.
IN PROGRESS:
War in Ukraine presses on So does our humanitarian aid
Federation operates the Leaders’ Alert System to improve emergency coordination and response. All Jewish communal leaders are strongly encouraged to participate. Contact info@jewishheartnj.org.
Needs among Jews from Ukraine and Russia continue to evolve, including to establish lives in Israel. Federation will be with them in 2023 and beyond. In 2023, Jews the world over celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of Israel. Be part of it.
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