SAFE Cincinnati, a community-wide initiative to improve Jewish Cincinnati's readiness to deal with security threats and natural disasters, helps ensure the immediate and future security of our community by improving the physical security of local Jewish agencies and giving them the tools they need to respond to threats, violence, emergencies, and disasters of every kind.
The Cincinnati Jewish Community Relations Council is focused on challenging antisemitism and racism both domestically and abroad. Jewish communities continue to face antisemetic sentiments and behavior throughout Europe, on college campuses and in our daily lives. It is part of our mission at the JCRC to inform our local community about ways to fight antisemitism and other forms of bigotry while working to protect the dignity and civil rights of all. One way we do this is through SAFE Cincinnati, a community-wide initiative to improve Jewish Cincinnati's readiness to deal with security threats and natural disasters.
The JCRC has also developed resources to help students respond to anti-Israel and antisemitic situations on campus and effectively speak out for Israel and the Jewish community. While the resources are aimed at college students, many scenarios and suggestions are equally beneficial for high school students and adults who may find themselves in similar situations. You may also find them useful as you discuss the conflict with friends and acquaintances, both in person and online.
Community Program Offerings
Hate at Home: Antisemitism and Why it Matters Today explores how antisemitism has changed over time. From the Holocaust in Europe to contemporary antisemitism and hate in our own state, be inspired to combat antisemitism and other forms of extremism in your own communities.
There is a rising tide of hate and polarization in America and beyond. Recently released data crimes shows hate crimes at a 16-year high, according to the FBI. The most recent study on antisemitism by the ADL shows that the number of incidents in 2019 were the highest since they began reporting in 1979. Ohio is not immune to this current trend.
Antisemitism on both sides of the ideological spectrum, exhibited in new and sometimes deadly ways, demands that communities find ways to combat it. One of the best approaches to combating it is to build allies and an understanding that hate against one group of people impacts us all.
Join The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Cincinnati for a special training opportunity for your company, church, congregation, or other organization. HHC and JCRC professionals will facilitate important, relevant lessons about antisemitism today and how you and your organization can take a stand against it.
When does criticism of Israel cross the line into antisemitism? Unfortunately, the line is often blurry. It is perfectly legitimate to criticize Israel’s policies. But criticism crosses the line into classic antisemitism when it exhibits what Natan Sharansky called the “Three Ds”:
Delegitimization—It is said that the Jewish State has no right to exist or Israelis do not belong in the Middle East.
Double Standards—Israel is condemned harshly for self-defense measures and social problems that are seen as acceptable or inevitable in other nations.
Demonization—Through distortions and lies, Israel is depicted as an evil and dangerous country, and the claim is made that if the Jewish State ceased to exist, the Middle East’s - and the world’s - main problems would be solved
SAFE Cincinnati
This coalition is a nonpartisan alliance of organizations committed to being vigilant against hate activity by supporting impacted communities and fostering acceptance, compassion, and justice for all in the Cincinnati region.
Anti Defamation League Resources
Ways to Combat Hate in Your Community
In response to on-going acts of hatred and discrimination across the United States and the world, it is the responsibility of our citizens to take action and stand up for what is right. In the spirit of understanding and unity, we would like to share The Southern Poverty Law Center's Community Response Guide for overcoming these negative barriers to social progress and combating hate in all its forms.
American Jewish Committee
AJC is also taking steps to fight hate and antisemeitism by urging government representatives to take action. In addition, you can find news and analysis that can provide deeper learning and understanding of the topic.