Erika Rudin-Luria, president of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, discussed “Hatred: an ever-present pandemic” and how the Federation works to combat antisemitism and hate locally, nationally and internationally, as part of the Cleveland Leadership Center’s “The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks” on Aug. 17 via Zoom.

We sat down with Oren Jacobson, co-founder and executive director of Project Shema to discuss the Israel/Palestine conflict and antisemitism.

Since Friday, nearly 1,000 rockets have been indiscriminately fired into Israel by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a U.S.-designated terror organization. And at least 120 fell short of the border and landed in the Gaza Strip causing damage and casualties to Palestinians.

Antisemitism is not a new phenomenon — and the advent of social media created the perfect Petrie dish for its hateful rhetoric and tropes that leads to violence. We appreciate the Cleveland Police Department’s swift response to this situation, as well as all they do every day to keep Cleveland safe for all people.

In recognition of Yom Hashoah V'Hagvurah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), WKYC profiled Testimony Theater Cleveland, a program in which 7th-12th grade students interview Holocaust survivors and their families about their experiences and then act out those stories as a powerful and emotional stage performance. Programs like this help ensure future generations never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust or the six million Jews whose lives were lost.

Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood welcomed a full capacity crowd of 200 in-person attendees April 27 for the return to an in-person commemoration of Yom Hashoah V’Hagurvah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Our community observed Yom Hashoah V’Hagvurah, a commemoration of the Holocaust and Heroism.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland and Kol Israel Foundation will commemorate Yom Hashoah April 27 as the event returns in person with a hybrid model.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland and Kol Israel Foundation will honor Cleveland’s Holocaust survivors and remember those who perished during Yom Hashoah V’Hagvurah on Wednesday, April 27 at 7 pm at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple (23727 Fairmount Blvd in Beachwood). A virtual event will also be available. This event is free and open to the community.

Thirty-two esteemed Cleveland civic leaders recently participated in the Adler Civic Leaders Israel Mission. This biennial mission, launched by Thomas and Joann Adler, was established through an endowment at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. The purpose is to expose leadership from across Cleveland to Israel’s complexities, and its innovative approaches to economic and community development, education and support of at-risk and disadvantaged populations. The mission also creates opportunities for partnership with fellow travelers and Israeli counterparts.