For so long, Lexi felt caught between worlds. Growing up in an interfaith home, she often wondered where she truly belonged. On the West Side of Cincinnati, when people asked, “What's your parish?", she didn’t have an answer.

“I always leaned toward Judaism,” Lexi recalls. “But I never knew where I fit.”

That began to change the summer she joined ArtWorks, helping create the Let There Be Light mural—part of Cincinnati’s Jewish Bicentennial celebration. Woven with symbols of Jewish tradition and history, the mural is a public expression of pride—and for Lexi, it was the first time she saw her own story reflected in it.

Later, at Camp Livingston, she designed murals that brought Jewish pride and identity to life for hundreds of campers. But that same summer, the teaching job she had lined up was suddenly cut. In the middle of that loss, camp became more than a summer job. It was her lifeline—the place she found strength and belonging. That’s the kind of lifeline your support makes possible. “They were family,” Lexi says. “I don't know what I would have done without them."

You help make this possible: journeys from disconnection to community, from feeling like an outsider to knowing you fit in. Here in Cincinnati, more than 6,000 children from interfaith families are growing up with Jewish experiences and connections—and your gift helps them feel proud, connected, and embraced.

Today, Lexi is teaching art in Lakota schools—proudly sharing her Jewish identity. When a student quietly admitted, “I'm Jewish too," Lexi encouraged her: “Be proud of who you are."

Because of you, Lexi’s journey is lighting the way for others to follow.

But even as Lexi inspires pride, fear is rising. Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. rose 140% in one year—the highest level since records began. Over half of American Jews now change their behavior in fear. In a time when many feel pressure to hide, Lexi’s pride matters more than ever.

This season of gratitude reminds us to take joy in our story. Lexi’s journey shows what it means when that story is lived proudly—and why your support matters.

Your gift today strengthens Jewish Cincinnati:

• Safe: protecting congregations, schools, camps, and community events so everyone in Jewish Cincinnati can live proud without fear.
• Belonging & Inclusive: helping more children grow up proud of who they are. With the Jewish Foundation match, your $100 increase becomes $300—enough to open the door for a child to attend Jewish overnight camp, carrying forward the same pride and belonging Lexi found.
• Active: amplifying our advocacy and civic presence—confronting antisemitism and ensuring our community’s voice is heard.

Our original goal this year was $6.35 million. Now, the Jewish Foundation has challenged us to reach $6.5 million—and if we do, they will award an additional $180,000 to strengthen our community. Please give today. Every increase will be tripled—helping more children grow up proud and connected, like Lexi.