The Pentagon’s removal of over 100,000 pieces of historical content—including Holocaust materials, Black military history, and Native American contributions—is a powerful reminder of how easily stories can be lost. It made me think of Ben, a local high school student and third-generation Holocaust survivor, determined to ensure his great-grandmother’s story would not be forgotten.
A few years ago, through a mutual friend, I connected Ben’s mom to the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center (HHC) after he was othered (meant to feel different) for being Jewish and needed support.
Then last week, through that same friend, Ben’s mom shared something remarkable—a documentary he made about his great-grandmother’s survival, featuring interviews with family, Trinity Johnson, HHC’s Director of Holocaust Programs & Museum Experiences, and footage filmed at HHC.
Ben’s film shows why our work matters—keeping memories alive, making voices heard, and staying committed to our work every day.
Committed to Action, Every Day
Our work continues quietly and steadily because keeping our community strong doesn’t happen by accident—it takes security, advocacy, and collaboration.
Security: Building a Safer Community
Last Saturday, we partnered with St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church for hands-on Active Threat Training. As Deacon Staley said:
“The training wasn’t about making people feel afraid. It was about making them feel ready. The fact that the Jewish community cared enough to reach out to us—that meant something.”
Advocacy: Pushing for Change
This week, our JCRC leadership, along with other Ohio JCRC leaders from Cleveland, Columbus, Youngstown, Dayton, and Toledo, walked the halls of the Ohio Statehouse, meeting with lawmakers from both parties. We advocated for:
• Funding to protect Jewish institutions, including schools, universities, and cemeteries.
• Support for Holocaust survivors.
• Food insecurity funding, including kosher and halal (Muslim dietary) meals, working alongside Muslim lawmakers.
• Creating a statewide definition of antisemitism.
We also encouraged efforts to build business and trade partnerships between Ohio and Israel.
Collaboration: Creating Safe Spaces Everywhere
Imagine you’re a Jewish college student stepping onto campus. The Star of David you used to wear now hidden under your shirt.
You’re not alone.
Three in four Jewish students feel silenced on campus. But we’re here to ensure your voice is heard. The Federation, Cincinnati Hillel, Hillel at Miami University, Chabad at UC, Chabad at Miami University, Hillel International, and many others are working directly with university leadership to create safer, more welcoming campuses. Jake Powers, UC student and Founder of Bearcats for Israel, has been on the front lines—speaking up for you and working with UC leadership to address antisemitism.
Join Us at the JCRC Annual Meeting
Come Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 PM to the Mayerson JCC to hear Jake Powers, Amanda Berman (Founder and Executive Director of Zioness), and Ronit Sherwin (Campus Support Director at Hillel International) in a moderated panel tackling “The Dialogue Dilemma” on college campuses. Register here
Why We Do This Work
Ben’s courage didn’t happen by chance. It came from his family, his community, and those who refused to let his great-grandmother’s story be forgotten.
And that’s what we strive to strengthen every day. Because resilience isn’t automatic. It’s built. And it’s built by all of us.
Warmly,
Danielle V. Minson
CEO
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
Your Support Matters: jewishcincinnati.org/give