As an integrated Jewish community, the UJC has received guidance from both of its two parent organizations—the Jewish Community Center Association of America, and the Jewish Federations of North America. At this year’s General Assembly, I had the honor and privilege of attending both annual meetings--emotional first-time gatherings of its members since October 7. Both meetings united its Jewish constituents with shared visions and commitments to building vibrant Jewish futures. These were unique opportunities for community leaders, innovators, and activists from North America and beyond to come together, exchange perspectives, and collectively chart a course for a stronger and more resilient Jewish world.

At the recent JFNA event we heard personally from Yitzhak Herzog. We heard multiple national thought leaders discuss issues of our times—the Israel crisis, antisemitism, violence and vitriol on our campuses, the needs for advocacy education, Jewish education, and Israel education. We were inspired by words of the spiritual leader Mijal Bitton; journalist and voice of antisemitism Bari Weiss; and Sheryl Sandberg, previous Facebook COO, founder of Leanin.com, and advocate for antisemitic initiatives. We heard stirring voices and music. Perhaps nothing touched our hearts more than the emotional stories of eight hostage families who live in agonizing uncertainty.

The overarching theme of the assembly was the need for the strength, unity, and resilience of the Jewish people—and the concept that investing in Jewish life is the best investment to fight antisemitism. The need to support, sustain, and elevate Jewish life wherever it may be. The goal of helping Jews find the places they are most comfortable with.

We must show our pride to be a part of a people who can show up for each other. Israel’s pains are our pains. Israel’s destiny is our destiny. Even in the darkest day, we are not alone. We must continue to stand as one people, one heart. We cannot lose the opportunity to equal the dignity and virtue that Israel eludes every day. We must share our Jewish values with the world.

Our ancestors knew that our existence would be a difficult one. With our lives in America the past seven decades we forgot about how hard it was for much of our history to be a Jew. Now we are reminded of our responsibility to our people. Now we must have the courage yet again to stand up to evil. We are now more broken than a people can be, yet stronger than a people can be. No matter what we have done, we can do more.