06/14/2025
Update on Israel and here in Cleveland
As Shabbat ends and the new week begins, we find our world has changed dramatically again as Israel is now directly confronting the mounting military threat from Iran.
While events are unfolding rapidly, we wanted to give you an update from our constant contact with our partners and colleagues in Israel, as well as the steps we are taking here in Cleveland:
1. The Cleveland participants of our Onward Israel’s summer internship program are safe and have been moved out of Tel Aviv out of an abundance of caution. Onward participant Reilly Roth shared with us how this experience has brought the group closer together:
“These past few days have been unpredictable, but I’ve never felt more connected to Israel or my Jewish identity. Despite the uncertainty, I’m incredibly proud to be Jewish and wouldn’t trade this experience for anything… Last night, even as we moved in and out of the shelter, our group stayed in high spirits. We’re now headed to the Dead Sea, and I trust that the Onward Program is doing everything to keep us safe. The love I feel for Israel after all this is beyond words.”
The safety of those participating in programs like this – including the teens in Israel with our icnext program – has always been (and will always be) our highest priority.
2. Speaking of our icnext cohort, the teens are in Jerusalem. And as Ezra Epstein shared with us, the experience of the past 48 hours has only deepened the group’s connection to Israel:
“….at 1:00am Saturday the whole group has their pillows and blankets in the shelter as we plan to sleep here for the night. While I wish to be at home and safe, a part of me is glad that I was able to experience this attack in Israel. Being able to experience the missiles and sirens firsthand will not only be a memory I will carry for the rest of my life, but it has drastically changed my thought process on how I will view Israel and the people that live here in the future. I will see them for their bravery and understand their pain differently than I ever would have. I feel a newfound sense of pride in being Jewish, and deeper connection to Israel. From our group, we thank everyone who has reached out regarding our safety. Am Yisrael Chai”
3. Here in Cleveland, our security provider – JFC Security, LLC – has been working with law enforcement to be on heightened alert for any possible action against our community. Area police have increased patrols around Jewish facilities and throughout our neighborhoods. JFC Security has been in touch with the FBI who advised they are monitoring groups here locally and will relay any pertinent information if they determine a potential threat to our community. At the present time, there is no known threat. We are advising organizations to stay open and remain vigilant.
During this time especially, you play a critical role in helping to keep Jewish Cleveland safe and welcoming. Stay alert to anything that seems out of place or out of the ordinary and call 911 immediately. We are blessed to live in an area where local law enforcement cares so deeply for the safety of all citizens.
We are also in touch with our elected officials both to share our concerns about Israel and to make sure they are aware of our Jewish Cleveland groups that are currently in Israel.
The fear and concern we feel within the Jewish community is only exacerbated by the growing unrest in our country. The increasingly hateful and divisive rhetoric has yet again inspired hate-fueled, deadly actions. Just last night, an elected official in Minnesota and her husband were shot and killed – presumably for their political positions – and two other elected officials were critically wounded.
At this incendiary time in our history, we must recommit to standing with – and supporting – each other despite our differing views and opinions. We must do all we can to reduce hostilities that are far too pervasive in our day to day lives.
May the memories of those murdered be for a blessing and may those wounded make a full and speedy recovery.
We pray for the safety and protection of all Americans and Israelis, and for all those currently in Israel— including civilians, first responders, our Jewish Clevelanders and members of the IDF.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Jeffrey J. Wild, board chair
Erika Rudin-Luria, president
