JCC Association of North America, in partnership with Brandeis University and Boundless Israel, hosted the second intensive executive seminar for Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Community Camps (JCC) leaders on combating antisemitism, “Navigating Israel and the Rise of Antisemitism.” From March 3–6, 2025, 51 leaders from 25 JCCs across North America gathered at Brandeis University for this impactful seminar that equipped them with tools to address antisemitism and growing polarization around Israel in their communities. The seminar was designed to empower JCC leaders to respond proactively to antisemitism, strengthen understanding and connection to Israel, and implement programming that effectively combats Jew-hatred in their local communities in the wake of the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel.
The partnership among JCC Association, Brandeis University, and Boundless Israel was formed last summer in response to the sharp rise in antisemitism, with a recognition that JCCs have an unparalleled and broad reach within Jewish communities across North America. Brandeis University, founded to counter antisemitism and bigotry in higher education, holds a distinct responsibility to the Jewish community, while Boundless Israel brings a proven track record of collaborating with community leaders to revitalize Israel education and spearhead bold collective actions against Jew-hatred.
“We are incredibly proud to partner once again with Brandeis University and Boundless on this expanding initiative. This collaboration highlights the continued importance of the unique role our more than 170 JCCs play in their communities, serving over 1.5 million people weekly, one-third of whom do not identify as Jewish and serve as loyal allies to the Jewish community,” says Jennifer Mamlet, acting president and CEO of JCC Association. “JCC leaders are uniquely positioned to create innovative programs that combat all forms of Jew-hatred, prevent antisemitism, and strengthen connections to Israel. The lasting effect of this work continues to empower communities and foster solidarity, making this partnership more critical than ever.”
This first-of-its-kind partnership between a continental Jewish communal organization and a leading research university founded by the American Jewish community, focused on broad topics: understanding the intersection of antisemitism and anti-Zionism; connecting current events in Israel to the global rise in antisemitism; exploring strategies to effectively engage JCCs around Israel; supporting JCC executives in meeting the leadership needs of this moment; building big-tent communities during a polarized time; and creating a cohort of leaders among executives to further discuss and collaborate on these issues.
Coordinated by Rachel Fish, Ph.D., special advisor to the Brandeis University President’s Initiative on Antisemitism and co-founder of Boundless, the seminar was designed to help JCC executives understand the intersection between antisemitism and anti-Zionism and how to engage their communities around Israel: “The seminar provides not only foundational knowledge but also practical strategies for JCC leaders to engage their communities around the complex intersection of antisemitism and anti-Zionism,” says Fish. “Clearly defining and addressing the challenges of Jew-hatred and anti-Zionism require a systemic approach, and it begins with leadership. By equipping JCC executives with the tools to navigate these issues, we are empowering them to lead with confidence, ensuring the work of countering Jew-hatred and strengthening connections to Israel continues to grow unabated.”
JCCs represented at the March 2025 “Navigating Israel and the Rise of Antisemitism” seminar include The Rose and Max Rady JCC in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Miles Nadal JCC in Toronto Ontario; Levite JCC in Birmingham, Ala.; Peninsula JCC in Foster City, Calif.; Silverlake Independent JCC in Los Angeles, Calif.; Merage JCC of Orange County in Calif.; Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford in Conn.; Edlavitch DCJCC in D.C.; Siegel JCC in Wilmington, Del.; David Posnack JCC in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee in Fla.; Arthur M. Glick JCC Indianapolis in Ind.; JCC of Greater Baltimore in Md.; Jewish Community Alliance in Portland, Maine; Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, N.J.; JCCs of the Capital Region in Albany and Schenectady, N.Y.; Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester in N.Y.; JCC Rockland in N.Y.; Shames JCC on the Hudson in Tarrytown, N.Y.; JCC of Greater Dayton in Ohio; Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo in Ohio; Evelyn Rubenstein JCC in Houston, Texas; and Harry and Rose Samson Family JCC in Milwaukee, Wis.
The seminar included practical learning experiences, real-life case studies, and 12 world-class scholars and practitioners from institutions including Brandeis, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Constructive Dialogue Institute, Frieze Family Foundation, Hebrew College, JCC Association, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, National Black Empowerment Council, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, Tufts University, and Wilson Center.
The group of 50 JCC executives who gathered for the inaugural seminar in July 2024 have continued their collaboration and education and have formed working groups dedicated to addressing antisemitism in their communities, focused on engaging specific audiences including JCC staff members, teenagers, and interfaith groups. These JCC leaders are committed to translating the knowledge and strategies gained from the seminar into tangible, community-driven initiatives.
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About JCC Association of North America
JCC Association of North America leads the JCC Movement, the most expansive and inclusive platform for Jewish life in the U.S. and Canada, which comprises more than 170 Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Community Camps (JCCs). By virtue of its size and scope—serving more than 1.5 million people weekly, in person, and online—and with guidance and support from JCC Association, the JCC Movement dynamically influences efforts to create Jewish community, vibrant Jewish life, and intentional and measurable Jewish outcomes in local communities and across the continent. Learn more at JCCA.org or on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).
Please note that JCC Association of North America should not be referred to as JCCA or the JCC Association but initially as JCC Association of North America and as JCC Association in subsequent references.
About Brandeis University
Brandeis University, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a top-tier private research university with a focus on undergraduate education. The university was founded in 1948 by the American Jewish community as a nonsectarian institution at a time when exclusionary practices prevented equal access to some of the nation’s best universities. Named for Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, the university embraces the values of academic excellence, critical thinking, openness to all and a commitment to making the world a better place.
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