The past 2 ½ months have been challenging times for our community. The Jewish Federation team – dedicated professionals and tireless volunteers – have worked around the clock to support, convene, and advocate on behalf of our community. Some of this effort happens behind the scenes, and it is important for the community to hear about just some of the activities in which Federation is engaged to ensure a strong, engaged, connected, caring, vibrant and enduring Jewish community.
Advocacy
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.
- When Jewish Family Services lost significant funding for older adult services, in addition to approving a $60,000 Federation emergency grant, members of the Federation team advocated with the county to provide an additional $650,000 of essential funds.
- Federation leaders held a meeting with the Michigan legislative delegation, local county and city civic and law enforcement leaders to discuss Jewish communal concerns – particularly at this time of increased antisemitism. Based in part on our input, the Washtenaw County law enforcement agencies published a statement about expectations for civic behavior and security for all citizens.
- Federation and Ypsilanti community members mobilized to encourage the Ypsilanti City Council to rescind a reprehensible and one-sided resolution against Israel, which they did. Unfortunately, on December 5 they adopted an equally one-sided, albeit less strident, replacement resolution contentious and unruly public comment session lasting five hours. Advocacy on this issue continues.
- As part of continued advocacy with the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti City Councils, Federation has organized a rotation of volunteers to speak during public co
- 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.
- Over the past month, Federation has organized a rotation of volunteers to speak during public commentary at Ann Arbor City Council meetings. Please contact McKenzie Katz if you are interested in participating.
- 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 been responding to incidences reported on the Federation’s Incident Reporting Form. This has included coordinating with law enforcement and contacting school administrators.
- Shane has held trainings and working with security volunteers and professionals at every local Jewish facility, including Jewish sororities and fraternities.
Communications
Your Federation team has been keeping you informed about what is happening in Israel and here 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 just the past month, 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, on 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 $300,000 – 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. Michigan Radio did a story on last week’s display.
- Federation is pleased to support 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 this week. The March – the largest ever demonstration for Israel with over 290,000 participants – was implemented in record time by our parent organization, Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations. Its success was due, in large part, to the leadership and hard work of teams from the 146 Federations – including ours – around North America.
This is just a sampling of what has been accomplished in the past month. If you want to these kinds of activities to continue and grow, we need your help. The Annual Community Campaign and LiveSecure Campaign support this work, and we ask you to seize the moment and give generously.