It's Happening In Miami
JBS Highlights 1/30 - 2/5: FIDF Live, Israel's Geo-Strategic Position, Rabbi Hirsch-Boredom and more!
Watch JBS on Comcast X-1 Box Ch 1684, Atlantic Broadband 168, Hotwire Ch 269, DirecTV Ch 388, Blue Stream Ch 110, streamed on Roku under "educational", Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and jbstv.org. For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org
FIDF Live: Breakthroughs
Take a look back at how the IDF blazed forward in 2021, and explore how soldiers used last year’s serious, adverse, and threatening challenges as opportunities for greater preparation, defense, and protection in 2022. Monday - 7:30pm Tuesday - 1:00pm Thursday - 10:00pm & 2:30am
ADL “Never Is Now”: Disinformation
The deadly impact of conspiracies and disinformation on our national landscape and what can be done to stop them is the focus of a conversation with Will Sommer (Daily Beast) Lisa Kaplan (Alethea) and Imran Ahmed (Center for Countering Digital Hate). Monday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Tuesday - 11:00am Wednesday - 2:00pm Friday - 10:30am Saturday - 7:00pm
Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch: On Boredom
In a sermon to his congregation of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York City, Rabbi Hirsch discusses the commandment of Shabbat, and how boredom during Shabbat observance should serve as a lesson in humility, and an inspiration to consider the potential to help others less fortunate. Tuesday - 7:00pm & 2:30am Wednesday - 10:30am & 10:30pm Friday - 10:00am Saturday - 4:00pm
Israel’s Geo-Strategic Position
Israel’s geographic military strategy, and how the Jewish State relates to all players on both the Middle East and larger world stage is discussed by MirYam Institute analyst Yaakov Lappin and IDF Lt. Col. Yochai Guiski (Ret.), with Benjamin Anthony. Tuesday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Wednesday - 11:00am Thursday - 2:00pm Saturday - 8:00pm
Global Perspectives with Ellie Cohanim: Oporto
Former U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Ellie Cohanim speaks with Michael Rothwell, Director of the Oporto Holocaust Museum and Dara Jeffries, VP of the Oporto Jewish Community, about the importance of Oporto, Portugal to Jewish history, and the recent revival of Jewish life in the city. Thursday - 7:30pm & 2:00am Friday - 10:00pm Saturday - 5:30am
Top Story with Jonathan Tobin: Doug Feith
JNS editor-in-chief Jonathan Tobin speaks about Deborah Lipstadt, Harry Potter and antisemitism and more, then discusses the Iranian nuclear threat, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and U.S.-Israel relations with former Pentagon Official Doug Feith. Thursday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Friday - 9:00am
In The News: Fighting Antisemitism
Josh Kraft, President of Kraft Family Philanthropies, among which is the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, discusses antisemitism in Colleyville, Texas and beyond, asking what is being done to fight back. With Shahar Azani. Monday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Tuesday - 3:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Saturday - 11:30pm
Thinking Out Loud: Micah Halpern
Micah breaks down the unsettling case of Christina Darling, a 21-year-old college student in Brooklyn, who is accused of hurling anti-Semitic insults and physically spitting on two young Jewish boys. He also discusses the FBI's initial miscategorization of the Colleyville hostage-taking as being "not specifically related to the Jewish community," and why that is a preposterous conclusion to draw from the facts of the situation. Wednesday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Thursday - 3:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Saturday - 5:30pm
On L’Chayim
Sunday: Charles Cohen - “Red Trees”
Real Estate Developer and film producer Charles S. Cohen discusses his Jewish involvement and his film, “Red Trees,” director Marina WIller’s uplifting story of her father’s family’s survival in Nazi-occupied Prague. Sunday - 12:00 Noon Sunday - 6:00pm
Monday: Naomi Vilko - Second Generation
Jewish activist Dr. Naomi Vilko talks personally about the pains and challenges of being the child of Holocaust Survivors and shares her concerns with the Claims Conference and the Jewish far left. Monday - 3:00pm
Monday: Jay Goldberg
Criminal law attorney and US Constitutional scholar Jay Goldberg discusses his career as both prosecutor and defense attorney in some of the nation's most high-profile cases described in his autobiography The Courtroom is My Theater.
Monday - 9:00pm & Midnight
Tuesday - 3:00pm
Saturday - 6:00pm
Tuesday: Matthew Lazar - Zamir Choral Foundation
Matthew "Mati" Lazar, founding director of the Zamir Choral Foundation, describes his Jewish background and his love of music; and the Jewish philosophy and joys of Zamir - especially the international teen HaZamir Chorale Tuesday - 9:00pm & & Midnight Wednesday - 3:00pm Saturday - 6:00pm
Wednesday: Hadas Yosef
An Ethiopian Israeli whose family made Aliyah when she was only two years old, Hadas Yosef shares her story of growing up in Israel, serving in the IDF, and encountering racism as an Ethiopian Jew. Wednesday - 9:00pm & & Midnight Thursday - 3:00pm
Thursday: Howard Goldstein - Israel Bonds Chair
Howard Goldstein, Chairman of the Board of Israel Bonds, describes how he came to be committed to helping the State of Israel and discusses the contribution people can make to Israel thru Israel Bonds. With Mark S. Golub. Thursday - 9:00pm & Midnight Friday - 3:00pm
JEWISH STUDIES
Hebrew: From The Aleph Bet - Lesson 4
Learn three new Hebrew letters: Aleph, Final Mem, and Lamed and a new Hebrew word. Download Lessons and Worksheets free on the JBS website by Clicking Here. Monday - 9:00am & 5:00pm
From The Aleph Bet: Lesson 5
Learn the Hebrew letters Hay, Chet, and Raysh on this lesson of JBS's original series, From the Aleph-Bet, designed for anyone of any age who wishes to learn to read and understand Hebrew. Taught by Rabbi Mark S. Golub. Monday - 9:30am & 5:30pm Thursday - 10:00am Friday - 4:00am
Talmud Study: Take Off Your Shoes
Take Off Your Shoes, based on Yevamot, is the title of this bi-weekly edition of Dimensions of the Daf, a JBS original series on Talmud study hosted by Rabbi Mordechai Becher. Sunday - 9:00am Monday - 4:00am Tuesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Wednesday - 7:00pm
Talmud Study: Polygamy
Big Love: Was Polygamy Normal? (based on Kesuvos 90a) is the title of this biweekly edition of Dimensions of the Daf, a JBS original series on Talmud study hosted by Rabbi Mordechai Becher. Sunday - 9:35am Monday - 4:35am Tuesday - 9:35am & 5:35pm
Jewish 101: The Exodus
What it means to be a "Jew" (according to the Jewish tradition), and Jewish sensitivity to the pain of one's enemies are explored through the Exodus story with rabbinic commentary of the midrash. Sunday - 10:00am Wednesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Thursday - 4:00am & 10:30am Friday - 4:30am & 1:00pm
92nd Street Y: Charles Bronfman
One of the Jewish communities leading philanthropists and co-founder of Birthright Israel, Charles Bronfman, speaks with Rabbi Peter Rubenstein, Director of Jewish Community and Bronfman Center for Jewish Life at the 92nd Street Y. Sunday - 8:00pm & 2:00am Monday - 10:00pm Tuesday - 10:00am Wednesday - 1:00pm Friday - 2:00pm & 1:00am Saturday - 10:00pm
REFORM AND ORTHODOX SHABBAT SERVICES
FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICES
REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 6:00pm, 11:30pm & 2:00am
ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles 7:30pm & 10:30pm
SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES
REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 9:30am & 1:00pm
ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles 11:00am & 2:30pm
Edith Samers Vice President 203.536.6914 (cell phone) JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, a 501c3 fulltime television channel Website: jbstv.org
The Ugly New Face of Antisemitism: A Discussion with Honoree State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle
Posted by Liat Stilman on 01/28/2022 @ 01:09 PM
Simcha Chapter and Inter-American Chapter presents The Ugly New Face of Antisemitism: A Discussion with Honoree State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022 12:00 PM MAJOR EVENT BENEFITTING HEART RESEARCH AT HMO
Wurtzels Meshuggah Food Faces
Posted by Liat Stilman on 01/28/2022 @ 10:45 AM
Family hands-on workshop featuring authors of the humorous book features photographs of happy, sad, goofy, “meshuggah” faces made from food, much of it classic Jewish food like bagels, lox, hummus, and challah. Make your own bagel funny face.
Bill and Claire use food art to make learning about nutrition fun for children. Learn to creatively play with food and make healthy food choices! Also listen to story Inside Out, Outside In using fruits and vegetable to teach diversity, tolerance and acceptance. http://alperjcc.org/bookfestival
February 6, 2022 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Click here for more info
Ira Rosen Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes
Posted by Liat Stilman on 01/27/2022 @ 02:31 PM
Two-time Peabody Award-winning writer and producer of 60 Minutes Ira Rosen reveals a never-before-told account of the show that invented TV investigative journalism.
Behind the scenes was a war room of clashing producers, competition among colleagues and power plays between reporters like Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters, Chris Wallace, Anderson Cooper, Chris Cuomo and legendary correspondent Mike Wallace.
February 3, 2022 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
This event is take place at the Alper JCC Outside on Professional Stage)
Greater Miami Jewish Federation, JCRC Condemn Antisemitic Flyers Distributed in Miami-Dade County
Posted by Liat Stilman on 01/23/2022 @ 05:22 PM
MIAMI – January 23, 2022: The Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) strongly condemn the virulently antisemitic flyers allegedly distributed by the Goyim Defense League (GDL), a white supremacist group, in various locations in Miami-Dade County and South Florida overnight in residential neighborhoods.
Law enforcement is aware of the issue and detectives are actively investigating the incidents. We are grateful to law enforcement for their swift response and the seriousness with which they are approaching the investigation.
The distribution of anti-Jewish hate materials fits a pattern of white supremacist groups that routinely seek — both locally and in communities throughout the country — to capitalize on antisemitic incidents to further their abhorrent cause. This particular occurrence follows the most recent violent attack on Jewish people, where a rabbi and three congregants were held hostage at gun point at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas eight days ago. During that attack, our Office of Community Security (OCS) was immediately and regularly in communication with local law enforcement and the Secure Community Network (SCN), the national security initiative of The Jewish Federations of North America, to confirm that there were no additional threats to the local Jewish community and to share that critical information with our local Jewish synagogues and organizations.
The Federation and its JCRC denounce antisemitism in all forms and reject all manifestations of hatred, intolerance and bigotry. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation Office of Community Security consistently is in contact with local law enforcement regarding the safety and security of the Jewish community and our institutions. At this time we are unaware of any threats to the Jewish community in South Florida.
JBS Highlights: 1/23-29: Holocaust Remembrance, Blind Love, ZOA Gala, Online Gaming, Rabbi Hirsch-Colleyville
Watch JBS on Comcast X-1 Box Ch 1684, Atlantic Broadband 168, Hotwire Ch 269, DirecTV Ch 388, Blue Stream Ch 110, streamed on Roku under "educational", Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and jbstv.org. For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org
ADL “Never Is Now”: Online Gaming
Learn how hate and harassment in online gaming impacts more than 94 million Americans, and how to have conversations with young people about staying safe online, with experts Constance Steinkuehler (UC Irvine) and Kimberly Voll (Fair Play Alliance), moderated by ADL’s Jordan Kraemer. Monday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Tuesday - 11:00am Wednesday - 2:00pm Friday - 10:30am
ZOA Gala 2021
The Zionist Organization of America’s 2021 Gala is a star-studded affair featuring Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Miriam Adelson, Gloria Kaylie, Morton Klein and more, with emcee Lisa Daftari. Tuesday - 7:30pm & 1:00am Wednesday - 10:30am & 1:30am Saturday - 7:00pm
Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch: Colleyville
Rabbi Hirsch speaks about the hostage crisis of Colleyville, Texas, and the scourge of antisemitism in a sermon to his congregation of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York City. Tuesday - 7:00pm & 2:30am Wednesday - 10:30pm Friday - 10:00am Saturday - 4:00pm
Blind Love: A Holocaust Journey Through Poland with Man’s Best Friend
Travel to Poland with blind Israelis and their guide dogs to march from Auswitz-Birkenau in memory of the victims of Nazi genocide and against prejudice, intolerance and hate, in the JBS premiere of this documentary. Wednesday - 7:30pm & 1:00am Thursday - 10:00pm & 2:00am Saturday - 8:30pm
In The News: Hostage Taking in Texas
Rabbi Andrew Paley is a close friend and colleague of Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker who was taken hostage Saturday. Paley was in the nearby Church giving support during the ordeal and was able to embrace Cytron-Walker upon his release. He leads Temple Shalom in Dallas and volunteers part time as a chaplain at the Dallas Police Department. Sunday - 5:30pm
In The News: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Speaking from Jerusalem, Chairman of Yad Vashem - The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, Dani Dayan, discusses the critical importance of Yad Vashem's staunch commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education. With Teisha Bader Monday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Tuesday - 3:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Saturday - 11:30pm
Thinking Out Loud: Micah Halpern
Micah analyzes how exactly the precision assassination of Iranian general Qassem Suleimani was carried out by the United States on the two-year anniversary of the dramatic killing. Wednesday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Thursday - 3:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Saturday - 5:30pm
On L’Chayim
Sunday: Joshua Hammerman Part 1 - Mensch Marks
Rabbi Joshua Hammerman (Temple Beth El, Stamford, CT) discusses the Jewish values embodied in the Yiddish word “mensch,” which he writes about in Mensch Marks: Life Lessons from a Human Rabbi. Sunday - 12:00 Noon
Joshua Hammerman Part 2
Part two of a conversation with Rabbi Josh Hammerman about his book Mensch Marks: Life Lessons from a Human Rabbi. Sunday - 6:00pm
Monday: Zsuzsa Fritz - Hungarian Jewry
Director of the Jewish Community Center in Budapest, Zsuzsa Fritz describes how she first learned she was a Jew at age 16 and discusses the resurgence of Jewish life in Hungary and the lack of populist antisemitism in Hungary. Monday - 3:00pm
Monday: David Renzer - Music Industry vs BDS
Former Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Publishing, David Renzer explains how he formed Creative Community for Peace, the pro-Israel organization that builds bridges with Palestinians, supports artistic freedom and counters the cultural boycott of Israel. Monday - 9:00pm & Midnight Tuesday - 3:00pm Saturday - 6:00pm
Tuesday: Kenneth Levin - Oslo Syndrome
Historian and psychiatrist Kenneth Levin suggests why some American Jews are anti- Israel as a means of feeling more comfortable and accepted in a non-Jewish society, similar to the pattern described in his book The Oslo Syndrome. Tuesday - 9:00pm & & Midnight Wednesday - 3:00pm
Wednesday: Charles Cohen - “Red Trees”
Real Estate Developer and film producer Charles S. Cohen discusses his Jewish involvement and his film, “Red Trees,” director Marina WIller’s uplifting story of her father’s family’s survival in Nazi-occupied Prague. Wednesday - 9:00pm & & Midnight Thursday - 3:00pm
Thursday: Naomi Vilko - Second Generation
Jewish activist, Dr. Naomi Vilko (practicing psychiatrist), talks personally about the pains and challenges of being the child of Holocaust Survivors and shares her concerns with the Claims Conference and the Jewish far left. Thursday - 9:00pm & Midnight Friday - 3:00pm
Jewish Studies
Hebrew: From The Aleph Bet - Lesson 3 Learn the letter "Bet" and how to read the most important word in the experience of Judaism. Download Lessons and Worksheets free on the JBS website by Clicking Here. Monday - 9:00am & 5:00pm
From The Aleph Bet: Lesson 4
**Learn three new Hebrew letters: Aleph, Final Mem, and Lamed and a new Hebrew word.
Download Lessons and Worksheets free on the JBS website by Clicking Here. Monday - 9:30am & 5:30pm Thursday - 10:00am Friday - 4:00am
Talmud Study: The Sanhedrin
A Talmudic explanation of the Sanhedrin, the traditional Jewish court that shaped Jewish law and Jewish thought. Sunday - 9:00am Monday - 4:00am Tuesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Wednesday - 7:00pm
Talmud Study: Importance of Dignity
The Jewish value of protecting a person's dignity, and how this reflects the Jewish emphasis on "free will.” Sunday - 9:35am Monday - 4:35am Tuesday - 9:35am & 5:35pm
Talmud Study: Morality In The Shoah
With the commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance on Thursday, January 27, Rabbi Mordechai Becher reviews Talmudic examples of how one maintains moral integrity and Jewish identity in extreme circumstances. Thursday - 7:00pm
Jewish 101: Tenth Plague
In an ongoing study of what it means to be a "Jew" by reading the Exodus Story, Rabbi Mark S. Golub discusses the Tenth Plague, the m'zuzah, and the rabbinic notion of a Jew's "choosing" to be part of the Jewish People Sunday - 10:00am Wednesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Thursday - 10:30am Friday - 1:00pm
92nd Street Y: Who Will Write Our History
A discussion of a film about a secret band of Jewish journalists in the Warsaw Ghetto determined to document Nazi atrocities. With Director Nancy Spielberg, Screenwriter Roberta Grossman & Executive Producer Samuel Kassow, moderated by Dana Bash at the 92nd Street Y. Sunday - 8:00pm & 2:00am Monday - 10:00pm Tuesday - 10:00am Wednesday - 1:00pm Friday - 2:00pm & 1:00am Saturday - 10:00pm
FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICES
REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 6:00pm, 11:30pm & 2:00am
ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles 7:30pm & 10:30pm
SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES
REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 9:30am & 1:00pm**
ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles 11:00am & 2:30pm
Edith Samers Vice President 203.536.6914 (cell phone) JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, a 501c3 fulltime television channel Website: jbstv.org
A Statement From the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami
Posted by Liat Stilman on 01/21/2022 @ 11:33 AM
In 2019, in the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, 50 of Miami’s Jewish clergy came together for a day to study disaster spiritual care in partnership with our Greater Miami Jewish Federation chaplaincy program, the Secure Community Network and local law enforcement. We realized that each of our institutions were potential targets, and as spiritual leaders we wanted to be prepared if the unthinkable were to ever happen at one of our local synagogues.
The antisemitic attack at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX reminded each of us that our institutions, and even our bodies, are on the front lines. We sadly say these things without any hint of exaggeration. With the rise of antisemitic violence, every synagogue in our community has needed to enact security protocols. Our communities are regularly in touch with law enforcement and the FBI, monitoring hate groups and violence against Jews. According to the ADL, last year more than 2,100 distinct incidents of assault, vandalism and harassment against the Jewish community were recorded, the largest number since the ADL began tracking events in 1979.
This country was built upon the values of freedom of worship. Religious institutions should be a place where we can come together during celebration, as well as loss, to connect to our sense of the Divine. For most Americans this is the reality. Yet for Jews, the uncomfortable truth is that we need to be vigilant; our doors need to be secured. The terrorist who entered Beth Israel was not simply taking hostages. He was specifically targeting Jews. No Jew should ever feel afraid walking into a Jewish institution, much more a place of God.
In recent years, as spiritual leaders, many of us have been disappointed that the media and many of our allies have downplayed the impacts of antisemitic activity. Whether in the far-right or the far-left, hatred of Jews has been allowed to fester and many of their slanderous ideas have entered the mainstream, even among political leaders. Jews have always been on the front line in this country, calling out all forms of hatred. Yet, from some parts of our country, including our historic allies and parts of the media, the silence has been deafening. We call on all people of good will to speak out, to not allow this vicious hatred to endure.
The Jewish people are resilient, and we will continue to celebrate and create, despite recent traumas. Yet we cannot deny our experience during these times. Deborah Lipstadt, today’s most prominent scholar of antisemitism, was recently appointed by President Biden to be the United States Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating antisemitism. We urge our federal representatives to approve her appointment without delay. She got it right when she paraphrased Justice Stewart’s quip about pornography: You may not be able to define it, but you know it when you see it. Whether it takes the form of anti-Judaism or anti-Zionism, we know it when we see it.
Rabbi Rachel Greengrass, President
Rabbi Frederick L. Klein, Executive Vice President
Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami
Lise Pearlman: The Lindbergh Kidnapping Suspect No. 1
Posted by Liat Stilman on 01/20/2022 @ 11:43 AM
The Lindbergh Kidnapping Suspect No. 1: The Man Who Got Away is a shocking but true story is divided into dozens of short, riveting chapters. Astonishingly, more key evidence is accessible today than was presented at the death penalty trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann for the kidnap/murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr. With documents and photographs the jury never saw, judge for yourself who committed the "crime of the century."
Date: February 1, 2022 Time: 7:30 pm
Exhibition Spotlight: Legacy of Remembrance and Voices of Genocide
Posted by Liat Stilman on 01/20/2022 @ 11:34 AM
Join us at the Glenn Hubert Library for a panel discussion in honor of local artist Mark Cohen’s Legacy of Remembrance and hear from FIU Communications Professor Raquel Perez about her innovative VR project connecting audiences with Holocaust survivors. Cosponsored by FIU Libraries, MAST at FIU, the Vice Provost’s Council on the Biscayne Bay Campus, and OLLI. Part of FIU’s 7th Annual Holocaust & Genocide Awareness Week, presented by the Holocaust & Genocide Studies Program, Hillel at FIU, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU.
January 24, 2022 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its JCRC Respond to the North Texas Synagogue Hostage Situation
Posted by Liat Stilman on 01/16/2022 @ 04:45 PM
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) are relieved and grateful for the safe rescue of the four hostages taken during Shabbat services at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. We pray for the swift and complete healing of the entire Greater Dallas/Fort Worth community and for all who were traumatized by the violent event.
Upon learning of the incident, Federation’s Office of Community Security immediately contacted our partners at Secure Community Network (SCN), the national security initiative of The Jewish Federations of North America, who confirmed that this was an isolated incident, as well as connected with local law enforcement, who confirmed that there were no known threats in South Florida. We communicated this information to our synagogues, Jewish Community Centers and agencies, and continued to stay in touch with all of our partners through the end of the hostage situation. We are appreciative to law enforcement for their extraordinary role in keeping the Jewish community safe.
Let us be clear: Despite the stated objective of the attacker, this was unquestionably an antisemitic attack. The decision to target a synagogue during Shabbat worship services, a holy time for rest, rejuvenation and peace; the attacker’s preconceived notion that threatening only Jewish people would be the most effective way to achieve his goals; and the heightened sense of alarm felt by Jewish people everywhere as a result of his actions, all make clear the hateful anti-Jewish motivation of the perpetrator.
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation will not tolerate antisemitism or hate in any form. Keeping our Jewish community, as well as all other diverse communities, safe and secure is always top of mind. While we will forever be grateful that no one other than the perpetrator was harmed, this is yet another reminder – as were recent attacks in Pittsburgh, Poway, Jersey City, and Monsey – that we have much work to do.
We strongly encourage all community organizations, Jewish and otherwise, to review their emergency operation plan at the earliest opportunity to ensure that their policies and procedures are current, comprehensive and understood by their respective constituencies. We call on all people of goodwill everywhere to work together to prevent future attacks, and to remember that even in the present political climate, we have much more in common than we do that divides us.
Information and Resources:
Report a security concern to our Office of Community Security.
Report an antisemitic incident to our Jewish Community Relations Council.
Schedule a security training at your Jewish institution.
Review Secure Community Network’s resources for keeping your institution safe.
Follow the Jewish Community Relations Council on Facebook.