At a candid Ben Gurion Society panel, leaders explored the hidden frontlines of antisemitismâoffering insight, urgency, and hope while urging the community to live and lead Jewishly with confidence.
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Combating Antisemitism & Hate
Turning Outrage into Action
What once lived on the fringes is now emboldened in public discourse, fueled by conspiracy theories and misinformation. Today, antisemitism is more visible, more violent, and more widely tolerated than at any point in recent memory.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, together with our Jewish Community Foundation, partner organizations, and community leaders, is responding with urgency and resolveâtransforming fear into focus and frustration into forward momentum.
Coalitions and Security
We are strengthening community safety through JShieldâhelping synagogues, schools, and organizations prepare, respond, and secure critical funding. At the same time, we are advancing coalition work like InSolidarity, which unites Jewish, faith, and civic partners to stand against hate and build a more inclusive region.
Community members gathered at Har Shalom to explore how to recognize and respond to antisemitism in the workplace, gaining practical tools, insight, and the confidence to stand up against hate.
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At JShieldâs first annual Community Security Summit, over 50 attendees gathered to explore how collective responsibility and preparation can enhance Jewish communal safety. With insights from law enforcement, security professionals, and keynote speaker Michael Chertoff, the summit emphasized that security is not just professionalizedâitâs personal, proactive, and shared across our community.
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Security across Greater Washingtonâs Jewish institutions is evolving rapidlyâand JShield is at the center, offering hands-on support to help synagogues, schools, and community centers navigate a complex and demanding landscape. From guiding grant applications to training and planning, JShield empowers communities to build sustainable, people-centered safety strategies.
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Reflecting on a powerful day on Capitol Hill, a Federation leader shares how unity, advocacy, and real relationships are driving Jewish communal security forward. Joined by hundreds from across the U.S., the Greater Washington delegation urged Congress to expand security funding and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Jewish life locally and nationally.
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Antisemitism continues to impact Jewish teens across Greater Washingtonâin schools, online, and in daily life. Federation is responding with strategic investments that help reduce hate, build confidence, and create a deeper sense of belonging for Jewish teens. Together, we are confronting antisemitism with strength and unity, ensuring every teen feels safe, proud, and supported in their Jewish identity.
Programmatic Grants
Initiatives that reduce antisemitism, empower teens, and prepare educators:
- Building resilience through Combating Antisemitism Training, BBYO, $45,000
- Educating schools with Holocaust and Contemporary Antisemitism Programs, Facing History & Ourselves, $77,500
- Advancing awareness through the K-12 Independent Schools Initiative, American Jewish Committee, $55,000
- Strengthening teen voices with Kumi Foundations, Moving Traditions, $40,000
Capacity Building
Supporting system-wide advocacy and response:
Expanding communal reach with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) capacity building grant, $100,000
Capital Camps and Retreat Center
Your values. Your impact.
Your gift powers this work, turning outrage into impact and protecting the future of Jewish life in Greater Washington.