- Michael Balaban
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO

These past few weeks have been a powerful reminder of what it means to stand up — for our community, our identity and our future.

Through education, advocacy and storytelling, the Jewish Federation continues to lead efforts to combat antisemitism and strengthen our collective voice.

During the week of March 17, we were honored to host Yirmiyahu Danzig for a five-day speaking tour across Greater Philadelphia, where he engaged more than 450 people through 12 impactful programs. Danzig is an Israeli American educator and advocate with OpenDor Media, dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity, fighting antisemitism and fostering understanding across communities.

From high school classrooms and campus events to gatherings with lay leaders, donors and staff, Danzig reminded us why our story matters. He spoke about the richness and diversity of Jewish identity, the joy and pride in being unapologetically Jewish, and the deep roots of the Jewish people in the Middle East. He modeled what it means to lead with empathy — humanizing both Israelis and Palestinians and emphasizing that peace begins with understanding.

In an era of rising antisemitism — particularly online — his visit served as a powerful call to action: We must continue to tell our story and ensure the next generation is equipped with knowledge, pride and purpose.

Just days later, on March 25, I joined 11 dedicated lay leaders and our Jewish Community Relations Council team for a day of advocacy on Capitol Hill. We met with Sen. John Fetterman, Rep. Dwight Evans, and staff from the offices of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Rep. Brendan Boyle, Sen. Dave McCormick and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon.

Together, we elevated key priorities for our community, including:

• Support for the Antisemitism Awareness Act and adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism
• Release of frozen funds and increased investment in the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
• Continued funding for safety net programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP and the Holocaust Survivors Assistance Program

The day reinforced how critical it is to build trusted relationships with policymakers — ensuring our concerns are heard, our safety is protected and our values are represented.

These efforts are not only about protection — they’re about continuity. A recent Pew study shows that 1 in 4 U.S. adults raised Jewish no longer identifies as Jewish. That data should stir us. Judaism is more than religion; it’s peoplehood, shared purpose and a legacy we must nurture.

I recently returned from an off-site-meeting with other large-city Federation executives from across North America. What was clear is that we are not alone in facing these challenges. Federations from coast to coast are asking the same critical questions we are — about identity, safety, connection and how to best engage the next generation. The conversations were honest, urgent and affirming: We are all in this together, and there is strength in our shared learning and collaboration.

Just last night, our community came together for Shield of Unity: A Local Initiative Against Antisemitism & Security Threats at Congregation Mikveh Israel. With insights from Jason Holtzman, chief of our Jewish Community Relations Council; Scott Kerns, community security director with SCN; and Ethan Farber, co-president of Penn Hillel, we explored the state of antisemitism in our region, how to secure our Jewish institutions and the realities facing Jewish students on campus. 

On Monday, joined by our statewide Federation partners, I will be meeting with Governor Shapiro to advocate for the statewide adoption of the IHRA definition to further advance protections against the rise of antisemitism.

These active initiatives are reminders that safety, solidarity and strategy go hand in hand — and that we are strongest when we face challenges together.

As we prepare to gather around our seder tables next week, we are reminded of the enduring story of our people’s liberation and resilience. Passover challenges us to reflect on what it means to be free — and how we ensure that freedom, safety and belonging for every member of our community.

At every level — from classrooms to Capitol Hill — we are showing up. We are telling our story. And we are shaping a resilient Jewish future.

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