The events of this weekend, which took place in Charlottesville, clearly reinforce The Jewish Federation's position that hate should have no home in our community. Sadly, there are too many occasions these days to call out hate, anti-Semitism, and bigotry. We, like many Jewish Federations across the country, have been contacted by national news media looking for statements. As we conveyed to the media, this Federation is not merely making a statement with words. Actions speak louder than words, which is why this Federation had already planned – long before the events in Charlottesville -- two special opportunities to support, educate, and empower local law enforcement, public safety, and faith leaders in dealing with bias crimes. 
 

One includes law enforcement officials' interaction with Holocaust survivors and a trip to the U.S. Holocaust Historical Museum in Washington, D.C. The other includes an interfaith gathering from various faith communities -- to be led by the NJ Attorney General and NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. 
 

These events, the first of which is taking place today and tomorrow, were planned proactively by the Federation in step with increasing needs to partner faith communities with civic officials to make the Jewish community and all faith communities safer, more inclusive, and more vibrant for all. To learn more, contact us at info@jewishheartnj.org.