We were slaves in Egypt (avadim hayinu). This yearly reminder at Passover is core to our Jewish memory and culture. The retelling of the exodus from Egypt reminds us of the bitterness of slavery, the journey to freedom, and how we became a Jewish nation.

As the debate and protests surrounding judicial reform plans in Israel continue, the Jewish Federations of North America sent a delegation of leaders from various communities, including Cleveland, to meet with Israeli leaders.

Applications are now open for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Israel at 75 Microgrant program. An Israel at 75 Microgrant is pre-approved funding for a program or project in the Cleveland Jewish community geared towards Israel programming, as part of Federation’s Israel at 75 initiative. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to apply.

The Cleveland Jewish community is one of the most generous in the United States and most of us give because we believe in the missions of the charitable organizations to which we donate.

When Jews are hurting anywhere in the world, we show up. When Israel is hurting, we show up. This week, we traveled to Israel for 24 hours because Israel is hurting. We joined leaders from Jewish communities across North America to show our love for our Israeli brothers and sisters at this challenging time.

Our community was joined by Dr. Amir Fuchs, senior researcher the Israel Democracy Institute at the Center for Democratic Values and Institutions to discuss how Israel is undergoing many changes in its government.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that Hallie Bram Kogelschatz has been awarded the 2022 Bennett and Donna Yanowitz Leadership Award, which recognizes and honors an outstanding young individual who has demonstrated commitment, involvement, and leadership within Cleveland’s Jewish community. She received the award at the Federation’s Board of Trustees meeting on March 13.

As the war in Ukraine continues, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and its overseas partners continue to support the needs of the residents still living in the country.

Through Cleveland's 25+ year partnership with its sister city of Beit Shean, Israel, we have helped to create sustainable change to improve the quality of life for all residents. We will continue in making Beit Shean a thriving and vibrant community for generations to come.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s community relations committee’s 76th annual meeting Feb. 27, featured speaker Yotam Polizer, Global CEO of IsraAID, discussed how his organization builds bridges with communities and provides aid in times of crisis.