The Tucson J has always been a cornerstone of our local Jewish community, serving as a vibrant town square where individuals and families of all identities and backgrounds come together. The last 300+ days since October 7 have presented a stark reminder that the work of the JCC Movement is not disconnected from the past or the future – we see our community thriving every day at the J, and yet, antisemitism is baked into our global story and continues to manifest and evolve in contemporary times. The Tucson J’s mission to cultivate and enrich Jewish identity, ensure Jewish continuity, foster wellness, and broaden communal harmony has never been more important.
Recently, members of the Tucson J’s leadership team and Board took part in two learning opportunities with this understanding in mind. First, a trip to The Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center. The visit opened with a Board Meeting (the first led by newly elected Board Chair, Caron Mitchell) and was followed by an educational and incredibly meaningful tour of the museum led by docent, past board chair of the J, and long-time community member, Lynda Rogoff.
This time spent at the museum helped to deepen the Board and team’s understanding of the community’s roots and the profound journey of the Jewish people in Southern Arizona, whose pioneering spirit laid the groundwork for the thriving, robust and diverse network of Jewish life we see here in Tucson today. One of the most impactful aspects of the visit was touring the Holocaust Center. Seeing firsthand the harrowing evidence of the atrocities committed against Jews during the Shoa was a deeply moving and visceral experience that provided a poignant example of the destructive power of Jew hatred and antisemitism and how it is one of many threads that connects our local community to our global one.
The second learning opportunity was a session with Dr. Rachel Fish, founder of Boundless Israel, a prominent researcher and leading expert on antisemitism whose work has been pivotal in understanding contemporary issues facing the Jewish community. Dr. Fish shared crucial research conducted by Boundless both before and after the events of October 7, connecting lessons from the museum visit by exploring Jew Hatred (her preferred term for antisemitism) within the context of today’s climate through a critical lens. Her insights shed light on the importance of clearly and accurately naming and addressing the threats we face and understanding their implications for the Jewish community worldwide. Dr. Fish also spoke of the role education and advocacy play in combatting antisemitism, including how to build effective bridges of understanding by engaging in thoughtful discussion to understand the roots of someone’s perspective, no matter how misguided
Collaboration is a cornerstone of the J’s work; the visit to the museum and session with Dr. Fish are tacit examples of this collaborative spirit that illustrate the value in knowing we are stronger together. The museum, a repository of our collective memory, provided a tangible connection to the past; and Dr. Fish presented a clear pathway for present and future action.
Now, more than ever, we must continue to advocate for the Jewish community, educate others about the realities of Jew Hatred, and promote a message of resilience and solidarity. Based on research, reflection, and discussion via these learning opportunities, the board and J leadership began to identify the key messages that need to be communicated within and beyond our community – understanding who should deliver them and how they should be framed is vital in our ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism and promote a safe and inclusive environment for all. By learning from the past and understanding the present, the Tucson J is poised to lead with purpose and vision, ensuring that our community continues to thrive in the face of adversity.
