Jewish Community Relations Committee of Richmond - JCRC

Anti-Jewish incidents remain at historic levels, including here in Richmond and Central Virginia, while security costs for synagogues, schools, and Jewish institutions continue to skyrocket. Yesterday 400+ Jewish leaders from across the country went to Capitol Hill to advocate for increased security funding and stronger protections for Jewish communities and houses of worship. Thank you to Senator Mark Warner, Senator Tim Kaine, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, Congressman John McGuire, Congressman Eugene Vindman, and Congressman Bob Wittman for taking the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns.

Jewish Federations of North America mourn alongside the community of the Islamic Center in San Diego following today’s horrific shooting. No one should ever fear for their safety while gathering in prayer, community, or worship.

This tragedy comes as more than 400 Jewish Federation leaders from across the country arrive In Washington, DC, to advocate lawmakers for $1 billion in security funding to help protect houses of worship and faith-based institutions nationwide.

Today’s attack is yet another painful reminder that the threat facing religious communities in America is real, urgent, and growing.

ICYMI… We’re relieved that after a 10-week shutdown, last week Congress approved funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which administers the Nonprofit Security Grant and other programs critical to securing the Jewish community in Richmond and nationally. Members of our community will join leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the JFNA Security Fly-In May 18 and 19— reinforcing the need for funding and advocating for key priorities in the Jewish Federations’ Six-Point Security Agenda. If you’d like to join us in D.C., we’d love to have you! You can register here or contact Sam Richardson for more information.

🔗: https://form.jotform.com/260495914902159

To commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust survivor, Halina Zimm, yesterday told her story in dramatic and touching ways to members of the general and Jewish community, and about 20 secondary students from the Chesterfield Montessori School. As always, Halina left a lasting impression after her formal talk, sharing many hugs and some funny stories, creating laughter where there had been tears. It is certain that everyone who was there will not soon forget the experience. The Federation JCRC was honored to be invited by the Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Department to co-sponsor the event at the Chesterfield Baptist Church. (photos courtesy of Marysa Tuttle)

This week, the Senate is expected to vote on dangerous resolutions that would block critical arms sales to Israel. These measures could undermine Israel's ability to defend itself and protect its citizens.

Please take a moment to ask your Senator to stand with Israel and vote NO: https://conta.cc/4sD5OzD

Tonight, we gathered as one Richmond community at the Interfaith Seder at Virginia Union University. ✨
With over 250 participants from both the Jewish and interfaith communities - we came together across traditions to share stories, build relationships, and deepen our understanding. Moments like tonight remind us that when we listen, we learn. Then we can celebrate and grow together💙.

We are grateful to the over 100 members of our community who showed up, listened, and engaged with the film, Blind Spot, tonight. With antisemitism on the rise, the film, which features antisemitism on college campuses, sparked critical conversations we cannot afford to delay. Thank you to Leonard Gold, Executive Producer, and Dion Pierre, Senior Correspondent for College Campuses, Algemeiner (online newspaper) for joining us tonight.

Stay informed.
Join JFNA for a special briefing on the ongoing conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Hear directly from Ambassador Yechiel Leiter on the latest developments and what they mean for Israel and the region.
📆: Monday, March 9
🕞: 1PM
🔗: https://www.jotform.com/form/260628149056965