We read with interest a recent letter to the editor regarding antisemitism in the local community, which asks, “Where is Federation?” (August 26, 2021)

Federation plays and will continue to play a leading role—with important impact—pushing back on Jew-hatred and its threats to individual safety and communal security and sustainability.

For a refresher on the scope of Federation’s work on antisemitism, here are a few examples.

Federation:

Brings in $1 million or more each year (this year it was $2 million) for synagogue, Jewish school and community center security (not to mention the advocacy work that resulted in the doubling of funds)

Offers safety and security training, free of charge, for every synagogue, Jewish school and cultural organization

Maintains direct channels of communication with Rutgers leadership to promote a safe and welcoming educational environment for Jewish students

Pre-empts antisemitic threats through relationships with law enforcement

Intervenes with lawmakers to ensure the Jewish community’s needs are known and responded to

Briefs individuals, groups, organizations and the community at large on current threats facing us—and provides the tools to pre-empt, prevent and protect against them

Launched and maintains a community leaders’ alert system for emergencies

Supports law enforcement officer bias awareness training

Addresses racism at the teen level through interfaith educational programs

Funds public school programs building mutual respect, understanding and safety among students and educators

Conducts interfaith clergy exchanges to build allies and reject hate

Educates interfaith clergy about Israel, antisemitism and extremism

Provides public information correcting false narratives about Israel

Advocates for legislation combating antisemitism and supporting Israel, such as the Never Again Act and the New Jersey Anti-BDS law

Meets with our congressional delegation on such matters as antisemitism and the U.S.-Israel relationship

Connects New Jersey and Israeli students to build relationships and understanding

Familiarizes law enforcement and public safety officials with Jewish organizations and their leaders and facilities

And more….

If you care to contribute in an actionable way, call us; take our call when we ring you; accept our invitation to speak, to conduct a briefing for you and your group; or get involved in the JCRC—our Jewish Community Relations Council.

Make no mistake, MUCH more is needed. More government support, more education—for students AND educators, more security, more content to counter narratives from BDS and its myriad proponents, more training for community members to advocate on behalf of the Jewish community, more alliances to fight hate…

It is imperative to work with each other to continue to combat the rise in antisemitism.