Jewish Identity After October 7th

  • Alexa Herman
  • 03 July 2024

Writing to you a little early this week ahead of the holiday. I’m looking forward to celebrating with family and friends tomorrow, and hope you are too.

Of course, my mind is also on another key date: October 7th, and on those we continue to support in Israel. More below on that and on fighting antisemitism in schools, plus a great piece by Dr. Mijal Bitton on how anti-Israel sentiment has awakened young Jews to their Judaism.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July.

An early Shabbat Shalom,
Gil
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Gil Preuss, CEO
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

P.S. Keep an eye out for It’s Friday every other week in June and July.

Jewish Identity After October 7th.

  • Dr. Mijal Bitton, spiritual leader of New York’s Downtown Minyan and a sociologist of American Jews, recently wrote for CNN about how anti-Israel protests have led younger Jews to rediscover that the greatest strength was in each other. While we continue to live in the shadow of the horrors of October 7th, she notes, many Jews have been “newly awakened to their Judaism.”
    • Has your connection with Judaism changed since October 7th? What feels different in your day-to-day life? Let me know.

Fighting Antisemitism in Schools.

  • Fox 5 DC recently featured Federation’s $600,000 investment to support teens and young adults as antisemitism rises in schools and on college campuses. As threats and intimidation continue, we are focused on providing Jewish students with the safe spaces they deserve. Watch the interview.

Eye on Israel.

  • Marking One Year Since October 7th. Save the date to join Federation, the JCRC, the Washington Board of Rabbis, and dozens of other local synagogues and agencies for a community-wide gathering on October 7, 2024. Sign up for updates.
  • Rebuilding Kibbutz Be’eri. Kibbutz Be’eri suffered unimaginable loss of life and the destruction of their homes on October 7th. But early last week, they laid the cornerstone for their new 52-home neighborhood.
  • Supporting Israelis. As recovery and rebuilding efforts in Israel continue, our community’s support continues to evolve. Today, we are aiding new mothers who have been suddenly widowed, soldiers dealing with the emotional and psychological effects of combat-related trauma, young adult survivors of the Nova Music Festival massacre, among others.