The Federation team has been coordinating advocacy efforts to address antisemitism and anti-Israel activism in our community.
Federation and its Board President, ad-hoc political triage team, and Jewish Community Relations Committee leadership have facilitated and/or participated in critical conversations and initiatives on behalf of our community.
- In December and January As part of continued advocacy with the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti City Councils, Federation has organized a rotation of volunteers to speak during public comments during council meetings.
- The Jewish Community Relations Committee has convened a Parents of Jewish Students Advisory Group for Jewish families with children attending public and private schools in Washtenaw County. The Ann Arbor Public Schools School Board has been asked to recognize this group as an official “Advisory Group.” Additionally, in response to concerns about recent antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric on the part of some board members a letter from Federation and a petition signed by over 550 community members were presented to the school board and administration.
- Federation leaders have been in communication with University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University administrations to advocate for the safety, security, and well-being of their students.
Security & Addressing Antisemitism
Community Security Manager Shane Dennis and other members of the Federation team have been addressing security and antisemitism issues on a daily basis.
- Shane coordinated security for local and campus community events including the solidarity gathering at Beth Israel, the UM campus solidarity vigil, and the gathering for the hostages at City Hall.
- Shane and Federation staff have responded to incidences reported on the Federation’s Incident Reporting Form. This has included coordinating with law enforcement and contacting school administrators.
- Shane held trainings and working with security volunteers and professionals at every local Jewish facility, including Jewish sororities and fraternities.
Communications
The Federation team has been keeping community members informed about what is happening in Israel and in Washtenaw County.
- Weekly Tuesday Israel Updates provide current information about the situation on the ground, details about informative webinars and events, and helpful resources.
- The bi-weekly Connection and What’s Happening e-newsletters keep subscribers up-to-date with news and events from Federation and our community partners.
- Federation articles in the Washtenaw Jewish News provide in-depth stories about our work in the community and how our partners in Israel are faring at this difficult time.
Convening
In addition to other community convening efforts, since October 7, the Jewish Federation team has brought community leaders together to develop programs to support Israel and our local community.
- On October 8, a community solidarity gathering was held at Beth Israel Congregation. Pulling the community together so quickly could only have been accomplished with the positive and immediate collaboration of community clergy and executive directors.
- A second community gathering, October 22, was held at the plaza in front of City Hall. This event focused on the hostages and was a partnership with community and campus organizations.
- Local congregations, the JCC, and Hebrew Day School have partnered with the Jewish Federation to raise over $388,000 – so far – for the Israel Emergency Fund spearheaded by the Jewish Federations of North America.
- Federation is proud to provide financial, promotional and PR support for the grassroots efforts of Ann Arbor’s Israeli community to hold weekly displays highlighting the plight of the hostages in Gaza.
- Federation has supported the efforts of University of Michigan faculty and staff to convene and address issues they are facing on campus.
- In partnership with the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit and University of Michigan Hillel, Jewish Federation coordinated travel and communications for over 60 members of the local community to attend the March for Israel in Washington DC November 14. The March – the largest ever demonstration for Israel with over 290,000 participants – was implemented in record time by Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations.
The Jewish Federation team continues to provide avenues for philanthropy, ways to engage in the community, and opportunities to collaborate and convene on issues and initiatives important to the local Jewish community.
For more information or to contribute to the 2024 Annual Community Campaign, visit www.jewishannarbor.org.