Jewish Community Partners

Antisemitism is on the rise, with threats and attacks making headlines and reaching unprecedented levels. To combat this, late in June, in a demonstration of national unity and advocacy, over 400 Jewish leaders from 100 communities across the nation met for an impactful two-day fly-in to Washington, D.C. Organized by Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the delegation engaged in more than 200 congressional meetings to advocate for critical security needs facing the Jewish community today. Laura Linder, President and CEO of Jewish Community Partners, and Leor Reef, a Memphis Jewish Federation board member and Community Relations Council member, joined the fly-in to represent Memphis.

Along with other participants from the state, the Memphis representatives joined face-to-face meetings with Tennessee policymakers Congressman Steve Cohen, Congressman David Kustoff, Congressman Tim Burchett, and staff from the offices of Congressman John Rose and Senator Bill Hagerty. These meetings were instrumental in directly addressing six critical issues: increased non-profit security grant funding; dedicated funding for security personnel at synagogues, schools, JCCs, and summer camps; enhanced FBI intelligence capabilities to combat domestic terrorism; increased local law enforcement funding; more social media accountability, and aggressive prosecution of antisemitic hate crimes.

“Having face time with our political leaders in Washington is absolutely crucial,” Laura Linder said. “It allows us to directly convey the urgent security concerns of our Jewish community, ensuring that our local experiences and needs are heard and understood at the national level. These conversations are vital for securing the resources and policies that protect our institutions and our people at a time when we are especially vulnerable.”

Leor Reef, who is also a participant in the Federation’s leadership development program, highlighted the unified message of the delegation. “This fly-in truly exemplified the power of collective advocacy,” Reef noted. “To be part of a group of 400 leaders, all speaking with one voice on critical security issues, sends a powerful message to Congress. Our focus on increased security funding, stronger law enforcement capabilities, and accountability for antisemitic acts directly supports the Memphis Jewish Federation’s ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.”

Prior to their congressional visits, attendees received a comprehensive briefing from JFNA, outlining a clear agenda that included advocating for $1 billion in security funding.

Notably, both Congressmen Cohen and Kustoff have long been proactive in encouraging increased security for the Jewish community. In a recent letter they co-signed along with two dozen other House members, a reference was made to federal support received by the Margolin Hebrew Academy in Memphis for door locks, which prevented a potential tragedy in July 2023 – a testament to the direct impact of local security initiatives.

The fly-in concluded with a deeply moving appeal for continued advocacy from Moshe Lavi, brother-in-law of Omri Miran, a hostage held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, and remarks by the parents of Sarah Milgrim, an Israeli embassy employee who was recently murdered outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in D.C. The delegation also heard from the newly-nominated U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, and from Rep. Max Miller of Cleveland, who shared his experience of being recently targeted in an antisemitic incident while driving with his family.

“The fly-in was a really meaningful experience for me,” said Reef. “It was an opportunity to not only engage with our elected officials on issues critical to the safety of our Jewish community, but also an opportunity to meet other community leaders from around the country to discuss the issues that they’re facing back home.

“The reality is that this fly-in was one of many ongoing efforts by JFNA and other like-minded organizations, and the advocacy doesn’t stop now that we’re home.”

The JFNA D.C. fly-in was just the latest example of the Memphis Jewish Federation’s ongoing dedication to its community relations and security priorities. By actively engaging with national leaders and advocating for critical resources, the Federation continues to ensure the safety, vibrancy, and future of Jewish life in Memphis and beyond.