--- title: Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel description: Through education, advocacy and storytelling, the Jewish Federation continues to lead efforts to combat antisemitism and strengthen our collective voice. image: https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/facebook-event-cover-1920x1080%20(2)-1.jpg --- [![Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/JewishFederation_May2019/images/logo--color.svg)](https://jewishphilly.org/) - [Philly Stands With Israel](https://go.jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel) - - [Donate to Philly Stands with Israel Fund](https://donate.jewishphilly.org/page/66252/donate/1) - [Community Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/) - [Emergency Allocations](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-emergency-response-fund/emergency-allocations/) - - [Advocate](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/advocate/) - [Israel in the News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-in-the-news) - 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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.   \*\*\* **If you would like to receive Israel emergency communications, please [click here](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-emergency-emails?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8YpPmnDwAdGOwDQ_5M_Q-GvplUyNRMWIGHm_dRyYzXOYYZzmVNLlbl5VRkI7w8DgVZ3IU7).** Share [Share on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.jewishphilly.org/michael-balabans-update-on-the-war-in-israel-april-4&title=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War%20in%20Israel) [Share on Twitter](http://twitter.com/home?status=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War%20in%20Israel+https://blog.jewishphilly.org/michael-balabans-update-on-the-war-in-israel-april-4) [Share by Email](mailto:?subject=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War%20in%20Israel&body=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War%20in%20Israel%20-%20https://blog.jewishphilly.org/michael-balabans-update-on-the-war-in-israel-april-4) ### Sign up for the *Jewish Philly* E-Newsletter [Back to The Latest](https://blog.jewishphilly.org) # Related Posts ## Blog June 30, 2026 # From Local Jewish Federation Real Estate Grants to Federal Investment: What Needs to be Done for Jewish Communal Security ## Blog June 29, 2026 # Upcoming Jewish Federation Events in July ## Blog June 26, 2026 # The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Mobilizes Community Members for Advocacy Day in Harrisburg [Tweets by JFedinPhilly](https://twitter.com/JFedinPhilly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## Find us on ![JFGP_KO_rgb](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JFGP_KO_rgb.png?width=300&height=84&name=JFGP_KO_rgb.png) Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Two Commerce Square 2001 Market Street, Suite 2300 Philadelphia, PA 19103 [215.832.0500](tel:1-215-832-0500) | [info@jewishphilly.org](mailto:info@jewishphilly.org) *The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia welcomes the participation of Jews across the religious spectrum, interfaith couples and families, and people of all abilities, backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. 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