As Jews all over the world enter a period of reflection, many are recognizing that one of the greatest lessons of the pandemic is not taking anything for granted. The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor approaches the dawning of this new year more grateful than ever for the warmth and resilience of our Jewish community and aims to strengthen and protect it in the coming year.
This past year, thanks to the generosity of almost 780 members of our community, more than $1.5 million was raised through the 2021 Annual Community Campaign and auxiliary efforts to enrich Jewish life in greater Ann Arbor, in Israel, and around the world. This total includes $210,000 raised specifically for human services needs in collaboration with Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. These funds are being used to fund a social worker position dedicated to meeting the needs of our local congregations. There is much to be grateful for.
But even as some may feel a mixture of hope and anxiety in anticipation of gathering once again in person for the High Holidays, antisemitic activity has reached alarming levels, adding an additional level of concern. The anti-Jewish slurs, hate speech, aggressive threats, and blatant violence continue to increase – even here in Southeast Michigan, and other cities and towns across our nation, and around the world – threatening the very communities we cherish. To put it in context, the FBI’s latest statistics indicate antisemitic hate crimes account for over 60% of all religiously motivated hate crimes.
In recent months, the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, together with other national Jewish communal organizations, stepped up to address the violence against Jews, as well as against other marginalized communities. Thanks to the support of the local community here in Washtenaw County, the coalition advocated for the bipartisan Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, which was successfully passed by both the House and the Senate. This bill addresses hate crimes on multiple fronts, including aiding federal law enforcement in tracking data towards more robust prevention. As Federation launches the 2022 Annual Community Campaign this month, a significant priority is how our local community can continue to work together to improve the physical security of Jewish spaces here in Washtenaw County.
As Jews, our history has shown us that there is never just one issue demanding our attention at a given time. The rise in antisemitism comes when we are still supporting those in our greater Ann Arbor community who are trying to regain their balance in the wake of the pandemic, which we’ve done by funding efforts like the Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services. We’re also caring for global Jewry, including older Jewish adults living in poverty in the Former Soviet Union, through the international aid organization The Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). At the same time, we’re making sure children could attend Jewish summer camp, young adults continue to foster relationships through meaningful programming, and people of all ages from the Ann Arbor area deepen their connection with Israel.
The 2022 Annual Community Campaign kicks off the evening of September 1st with a Rosh Hashanah cooking demonstration from celebrated cookbook author Adeena Sussman and renown chef Michael Solomonov, to be enjoyed by the entire community. Then, on September 26th, Federation’s annual Major Gifts event will feature Member of the Israeli Knesset and environmental activist Alon Tal. The Major Gifts event is open to donors who make a gift or pledge of $5,000 or more to the 2022 Annual Community Campaign, or $1,000+ for members of our community under age 40. A full calendar of programming opportunities is available on Federation’s website, and there’s something for everyone—women, medical professionals, Jewish Young Professionals, and more.
With the support of our community, Federation looks ahead to a year where Jewish organizations everywhere grow stronger and safer, and that our most vulnerable members can receive the vital care and support they need.
To register for events or learn more about Federation, visit JewishAnnArbor.org.