Yesterday, I was in Seattle meeting with the CEOs of the Jewish Federations in Seattle and Vancouver (BC). We discussed the strength of our respective professional teams and volunteer leadership, potential collaborations, and more. Sadly, the bulk of our time was discussing rising antisemitism, community security, and the Hamas-Israel war. This meeting reaffirmed our Pacific Northwest communities share many of the same challenges and we should do more work together.

This week marked the yahrzeit of six hostages murdered by Hamas while in captivity -- Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Or Danino, and Alex Lubanov — who are known in Israel as “the beautiful six.” May their memories be for a blessing along with everyone else lost since October 7, 2023.

Community conversations and discourse about Israel continue to be a challenge. There are so many diverse views, yet we seem to be most interested in hearing those we agree with. That is why the Jewish Federation continues to bring diverse speakers to our community -- to encourage people move beyond their "echo chamber."

We recently shared two webinars -- Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter and Colonel (ret.) Miri Eisin, a former IDF spokesperson and now a lecturer on counterterrorism at Reichman University. As you can imagine, Amb. Leiter was direct in his assessment of the situation as an official representative of the State of Israel. Miri, however, explained the complexities of the issues from the viewpoint of average Israeli citizens, hostage families, the government, American Jews, and more. I encourage you to listen to Miri's excellent presentation.

I personally appreciate when people, like Miri, can articulate and are open to understanding multiple "sides" in these conversations. This week, Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, said it very well:

In 2025, being pro-Israel should mean standing with the Israeli people in the aftermath of October 7, supporting Israel’s security as it faces ongoing regional threats, remaining deeply committed to Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state, and recognizing there’s no future for Hamas as part of any solution to this conflict. It also means expressing concern about the war — and continued captivity of hostages — which has gone on for too long. Calls to address the acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not make someone anti-Israel.

Have we gotten to a point where being pro-Israel means one cannot criticize the policies of the current Israeli government? That’s not the case in Israel, as demonstrated by the loud and frequent protests against the policies of the government, and it should not be the case in the United States.

Americans can and must continue to support Israel without having to fully endorse every policy of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition. People can oppose settler violence, a military takeover of Gaza City, annexation of the West Bank, and the erosion of democratic norms, while also supporting Israel’s fight against Hamas. People can call for an end to the war and the suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza while also demanding the immediate release of every Israeli hostage.

This brings me to last Sunday when nearly one million Israelis took to the streets in what organizers called a “day of stoppage,” demanding an immediate ceasefire and the return of hostages held in Gaza. Across the country citizens protested, blocked roads, and rallied. Those involved hoped this strike would push the government to make a deal.

Others in Israel believed the protests only helped Hamas. Every sign of Israeli division, every protest aimed at the Israeli government rather than Hamas is understood by Hamas as vindication of their strategy. Hamas has a clear record of rejecting deals whenever the balance of pressure shifts away from it.

I believe everyone wants this war to end, but how it ends matters as much as when.

I feel compelled to mention the Trump administration’s steps to conduct a comprehensive review of exhibits and materials at various Smithsonian museums. President Trump has denounced them for showcasing “how horrible our country is, how bad slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been -- nothing about success, nothing about brightness, nothing about the future.” The museums will now be required to “celebrate American exceptionalism and remove divisive or partisan narratives.”

The potential "erasure" of (“bad”) history should raise concerns in the Jewish community. For example, what if they demand changes in this exhibit at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC detailing what America knew and, more importantly, what America did not do during the Holocaust? Could these "reviews" eventually extend to local museums who receive federal grants, possibly including our own Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education? Our JCRC will be collaborating with our partners in the community to raise both awareness and our voices.

A few quick items to share:

• Welcome to Shiri Grinfeld, our new Community Shlicha (emissary) from Israel. Shiri arrived on Sunday and is already thinking of programming ideas for our community. We will make sure you get to know her in the weeks and months ahead.

• Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is pleased to continue its Gather Grant program. You select the date. You plan the activity. You invite the attendees. With the High Holy Days and Sukkot approaching, holiday meals tend to be larger and cost more. Based on the number of people participating, the Jewish Federation will pick up the tab (between $120-$180). This program is open to the community and people of all ages. Make sure you apply for your grant today. 

• On Wednesday, the Jewish Federation sponsored a “day of learning” for nearly 100 educators and administrators from our six Portland area preschools. Mimi Wilhelm was the keynote speaker and the day included “deep dives” led by nine local educators.

• We are excited to bring the movie Bad Shabbos to Portland. We have two showings -- September 7 at the Joy Theater, tickets are selling fast, while the September 8 showing at the Kennedy School is sold out.

Shabbat shalom and I wish all the students and teachers a safe and enjoyable start to the upcoming school year.