By Sam Richardson, Ph.D., Director, Jewish Community Relations Committee, JCFR

A question was recently posed by a member of the Jewish community, “What has the JCFR done to respond to antisemitism this past year?”  I’m glad you asked! 

Providing a key voice, Federation CEO Daniel Staffenberg serves on the Attorney General's Antisemitism Task Force.  As well, the Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC) - fields five subcommittees focusing on K-12 Education, Higher Education, Legislation, Interfaith Relations, and Israel Education – each of which plays a vital role in standing up to antisemitism in various forms and advocating on behalf of our community.

With the vision of supporting a vibrant and robust Jewish life in our region, over the past year we have responded when needed in the following ways:

• Successfully defeated Anti-Israel resolution attempts at Richmond City Council.
• Secured over $4 million in security funds to harden and support our community agencies and trained over 1,500 members of the community in security and awareness skills.
• Met directly with local, state, and federal legislators.
• Trained Virginia State Police Cadets about the Holocaust and Jewish identity
• Provided guidance to University Leadership regarding the protests on campus
• Provided guidance to Public School administrators regarding Jewish Holidays and Antisemitism
• Sponsored events featuring Israeli speakers discussing the social, political, and historical aspects of the current war.
• Held meetings with leaders in other faith communities where all questions were invited for discussion.

Advocating With Congressional Delegation

Most recently, we have had the opportunity to meet twice with each member and staff of the Virginia Congressional delegation to advocate for legislation that would combat antisemitism at the Federal level, increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, strengthen U.S.-Israel intelligence cooperation, and increase sanctions on Iran. 

The first opportunity was facilitated by the Jewish Federations of North America – it was a fantastic showing on Capitol Hill of Jewish leaders united from all over the country. (See the photo above)

The second opportunity was with Christians United for Israel. 

The arrival of both Jews and Christians at the doors of our Representatives and Senators in support of Israel and the Jewish community made a distinct impression.

Community Involvement and Advocacy

In the coming months, we have some meaningful opportunities for community involvement and advocacy: Local and state legislative breakfasts, a James River Cleanup Day with the YMCA, an evening of reflection and discussion in the Sukkah, relationship building with local K-12 and university administrators, an Israeli trivia night, and Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day at the general assembly. 

Please be sure to check JCAL and the new Reflector digital publication for more information as these events come closer.

If you would like to be directly involved in the JCRC, please call or write Sam Richardson: 434.996.5733 / srichardson@jewishrichmond.org.

In the photo at the top of the article are the seven-member delegation from JCFR - Robyn Galpern, Amy Melnick-Scharf, Karen and Scott Leibowitz, Martha Cohen, Crystal Jackson. and JCRC Director Sam Richardson – who were part of the contingent who met with more than 200 Congressional representatives.