Tonight, as we celebrate the second night of Hanukkah, we will do so with hearts that are both heavy and hopeful.
In the wake of yesterday’s shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney and amid a deeply challenging moment for Jewish communities around the world, we are reminded of the resilience, vigilance, and perseverance of the Jewish people. This season of light, therefore, feels especially meaningful and reminds us why the JCC Movement exists.
Since 1917, our movement has been a living expression of Jewish hope, light, Jewish identity building, and belonging. First through the Jewish Welfare Board’s support of Jewish men and women fighting in World War I and later, across generations and changing times, in YM-YWHAs and in JCCs and JCC Camps, our movement has always met challenge with care, fear with connection, and uncertainty with purpose. That work continues today.
In light of recent events, we dedicate ourselves to what has always defined the JCC Movement: creating spaces where Jewish life is visible and joyful, where Jewish identity is explored and strengthened, and where the community, too, is strengthened by our JCCs’ Jewish values, presence, leadership, and partnership.
At a time when antisemitism continues to threaten Jewish communities, JCCs play a vital role by standing visibly and proudly as centers of Jewish life and belonging.
We are deeply grateful to the leaders, professionals, and volunteers who show up every day to lead our JCCs and JCC Camps and sustain our communities. We are equally grateful to the countless members, friends, partners, and neighbors who choose, again and again, to build Jewish life with us for this generation and the next.
Our resilience is rooted in unity. Together with JCC communities across North America and around the world, we affirm our shared mission to protect, nurture, and sustain Jewish identity and life in Jewish communities throughout the continent.
As we light Hanukkah candles this week, let us offer a prayer for healing. May there be a refuah shleimah—a complete healing—for those who are hurting, comfort for those who mourn, and renewed strength for our communities. May we work together to bring simcha—joy—to the world.
