- Michael Balaban
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO

We are eager and hopeful to learn about the condition of the 30 hostages who will return home as a result of the ceasefire agreement. Hamas has named four female Israeli soldiers to be released on Saturday, although this information may change in the coming days. We will continue to advocate for the return of all hostages, ensuring no effort is spared in bringing them back to their families.

Our efforts here in Greater Philadelphia are deeply connected to the critical work to support the people of Israel during this time of crisis. Through our Israel Emergency Campaign, we are providing essential resources such as trauma counseling, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure support to communities impacted by the conflict. While the recent ceasefire brings a moment of hope, it also reinforces our commitment to recovery and resilience, both in Israel and here at home. Together, we are addressing immediate needs and fostering a foundation for long-term peace and security for Jewish communities and allies worldwide.

I am also proud to share updates on impactful initiatives we’ve launched this month, through the Center to Combat Antisemitism, led by our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), to combat Jewish hate and foster allyship:

Empowering Educators in Lower Merion
This month, we hosted a workshop on antisemitism with the ADL for 850 teachers in the Lower Merion School District. The presentation explored the history of antisemitism, the evolution of Zionism and anti-Zionism, and the enduring presence of ancient antisemitic tropes in modern contexts. This impactful workshop equipped educators with the knowledge and tools to recognize and address antisemitism in their schools and communities. Feedback from teachers and the district administration has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the importance and relevance of this vital professional development initiative. Next month, the JCRC will return to lead two more sessions: a follow-up seminar on antisemitism, for the District’s Academic Council and a program with the Dialogue Institute around fostering civil discourse on difficult topics.

Fostering Allyship on MLK Day
The JCRC was proud to co-sponsor the Global Citizen MLK Day of Service, demonstrating our commitment to fostering community engagement and honoring Dr. King’s legacy. Members of the New Golden Age joined volunteer efforts at As I Plant This Seed Treehouse in Hunting Park, distributing food to those in need and building meaningful connections within the community. JCRC representatives were also present at Girard College alongside prominent leaders, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, Mayor Cherelle Parker, and School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington, underscoring our dedication to collaboration and service. This day exemplified the power of unity and action in strengthening our communities.

Collaborating With Legislative Leaders
Next week, we are organizing a briefing with an Israeli intelligence expert for 40–50 legislators in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, deepening their understanding of Israel and antisemitism’s global and local implications. Avi Melamed, a renowned former Israeli intelligence official and senior advisor on Arab affairs, will offer unparalleled insights into the complexities of the Middle East, drawing from his extensive experience in intelligence, diplomacy and education. This briefing will provide legislators with a nuanced understanding of the region’s dynamics, enhancing their knowledge of critical geopolitical issues and how those issues are used by bad actors to spread antisemitism and misinformation.

Looking Ahead to February
In the coming weeks, we will visit Capitol Hill to meet with our congressional delegation and the new administration. These discussions will focus on securing support for combating antisemitism, our community’s public policy priorities and ensuring our community has the resources it needs to thrive.

The Jewish Federation remains steadfast in our mission to serve as a trusted convener, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Together, we are building a future of safety, respect and mutual understanding.

Thank you for standing with us in this vital work. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or wish to get involved.

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