Update 12.14.17

What We’re Up To

Executive Director: Our August 2017 demographic survey of the Indianapolis Jewish community found that nearly one-third of Jewish youth (ages 6-17) have personally experienced Antisemitism in the past year, making Indianapolis the third-highest reported city out of 27 Jewish communities surveyed.  Starting in 2018, the Indy JCRC will address this challenge proactively with a new program called “STAND UP & SPEAK OUT”.  Thanks to support from several individual donors in our community as well as the Jewish Federation, the JCRC will employ a 4^th full time professional to direct this critically important new initiative that will support Jewish youth and their families as they confront Antisemitism today, and engage on Israel.  We will be collaborating with local partners (like BBYO, NIFTY) and regional partners (like the Chicago ADL and the St. Louis JCRC).  If you’re interested in learning more about “Stand Up & Speak Out”, or if you’d like to help support it, please contact Lindsey Mintz: lmintz@indyjcrc.org.

Assistant Director: David Sklar continues to prepare for the 2018 legislative session of the Indiana General Assembly. This will be the third year that JCRC has lead efforts to pass a hate crimes law in Indiana.  At this moment efforts seem to be positive.  We continue to receive more and more support from rank and file members and leadership on both sides of the aisle. Besides educating legislators David is also continuing to speak to as many organizations and group as possible about our efforts.  In just the last week David spoke to the Indiana University Purdue University Diversity Roundtable at the invitation of University Chancellor Paydar, and to members of Central Christian Church in Indianapolis.

Program & Communications Coordinator: Aaron Welcher is taking on efforts to reach out to both Jewish communal agencies and the broader Indianapolis community to engage in meeting, knowing, and talking about issues important to the Jewish community.

A Bit of What We’re Reading

I Was Wrong About Jerusalem. What Have I Learned?

The Washington Institute: Settlements and Solutions

Why Economic Justice Is an Existential Issue for American Jews

 Happy Hanukkah and Holidays!
 

Special Shout Out: Congratulations to the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis on receiving the gift from Lily Endowment. This will go to help the entire Jewish community.