Antisemitism is on therise. Last year, hate and bias incidents rose in almost every jurisdiction inMaryland, targeting individuals and facilities, from schools and communitycenters to places of worship.
Recognizing the need toaddress this issue, The Associated and the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC)convened an Antisemitism Summit to look at measures being taken locally andaround the country. More than 75 professionals and lay leaders from localsynagogues, day schools, agencies and other Jewish institutions, as well asJewish elected officials, attended and brainstormed on how the Baltimore Jewishcommunity could stem the tide.
Following the event, anAntisemitism task force, led by Debs Weinberg, Chair of the Board of TheAssociated, and Rabbi Andrew Busch, First Vice President of the BJC, was formedto further the conversation.
As part of The Associated’scommitment to fight Antisemitism, last year the BJC advocated for a hate crimesbill which passed overwhelmingly in the Maryland General Assembly. At the sametime, The Associated, through its agencies, promoted better understandingbetween diverse communities.
Some of these programs includeBJC’s interfaith trialogues, dialogues between Jewish, Christian and Muslimindividuals; CHAI’s Multi-Cultural Nights, showcasing Jewish, African Americanand Latino culture to neighbors living in the Fallstaff community; and theJewish Museum of Maryland’s school programs. Last year, more than 3,000students from Baltimore City and the surrounding counties toured the museum andlearned about Jewish history, customs and traditions.
The recently renovated campus at 5700 Park Heights Avenue will now serve as headquarters of the federation and several of its constituent agencies.
At Knit & Nosh, one of several VolunTeams run by the Macks Jewish Connection Network, young adults get together to knit scarves and hats for neighbors experiencing housing insecurity.
In honor of Women's History Month, The Associated talked with Pam Platt, Stephanie Baron and Leah Schottenstein Schulman about what drives their giving and the values that guide their leadership.
February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). Supporting individuals with disabilities is a year-round priority for The Associated network.