10/13/2025
Thank You For Your Strength — And the Work Ahead
Dear Cleveland Jewish community,
Thank you. Over the past two years since October 7, 2023, you have shown extraordinary commitment — to our neighbors, to Israel, and to the Jewish people. Your volunteerism, generosity, and partnership with the Federation sustained essential services, protected the vulnerable, and reminded us what community can do. We are deeply grateful.
This period has been intense and unprecedented. As a community and as a Federation, we were called on to do things we had never done before — and to sustain that effort far longer than any of us expected. It has been difficult at times, and the pace relentless. Yet time and again, you showed up with compassion, skill, and resolve.
Today, we share relief that the living hostages have returned home to Israel. We also mourn the 28 who were murdered and whose return for burial we await. We know the challenges are not over, and uncertainty remains. These truths sit side by side — gratitude and grief — and they strengthen our commitment to one another and to our people.
In many ways, the work now enters a new phase. As many move from trauma to post‑trauma, healing will take time. Grief and recovery are not linear. The Federation and our partners are here to support families, students, seniors, and those on the front lines — through counseling, security, education, and social services. Please reach out if you need help; we are here.
Here in Cleveland, we have faced unique and difficult moments. We have seen efforts to marginalize and delegitimize Jewish life. We have also learned who stands with us. We remain steadfast in our values and our commitment to civil, principled engagement. We will continue to confront Jew hatred, to name it clearly, and to work with allies to ensure dignity and safety for all. Now is not the time to be silent. It is a time to raise our voices with courage and respect, to participate in public discourse across our city, and to strengthen the institutions that sustain Jewish life.
More than anything, we will keep caring for one another. Thank you for standing strong. Thank you for your heart. What we have accomplished together is remarkable, and there is still important work to do. We move forward as one Cleveland Jewish community — connected, resilient, and ready to build the next chapter. Am Yisrael Chai.
With gratitude and resolve,
Jeffrey J. Wild, board chair
Erika B. Rudin-Luria, president
p.s.: If you or someone you know needs assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Access Jewish Cleveland at 216-292-4636 or via accessjewishcleveland.org.
