Some weeks, the headlines feel heavier than others. In those moments, I’m talking with Federation colleagues across the country and people like you about what we’re all hearing and seeing. And in every conversation, the thread is the same: it’s hard to sort truth from noise, the images stay with you, and emotions are raw. We feel that here in Cincinnati.

Amid many painful realities, two things remain constant: Hostages are still suffering in captivity. And Palestinian families are suffering, with Hamas exploiting that pain. Both realities break my heart. This is a complex, painful moment.

In the weeks after Tisha B’Av, our tradition nudges us toward repair. There’s no single sentence that captures this moment, and suffering touches many. Our values guide us: Every civilian life—Israeli and Palestinian—has equal worth.

Our compassion is with civilians, and our resolve is against those who target them. Hamas is committed to Israel’s destruction, attacks civilians, and holds hostages to gain leverage. Israel has the right and the responsibility to protect its people from that threat—while taking utmost care to safeguard civilian life and allow humanitarian aid to reach those who need it. We believe it’s possible to care about both: safety for Israeli civilians and dignity for Palestinian civilians can—and must—move together.

At times like this, the Federation’s role is to hold our community together, to provide resources and support, and to offer a safe place for respectful dialogue across differences.

One way we’re doing that is through something we have been working on called: IsraelLENS. Since October 7, many of you have told us this moment feels both disorienting and deeply complex—and that you need a place to ask questions, listen, and learn together.

IsraelLENS is our community’s new framework for exploring Jewish peoplehood, global complexity, and the rise of antisemitism through the lens of Israel. From living room conversations to public events, from arts and culture to deep learning, IsraelLENS creates spaces where curiosity leads, listening is valued, and connection comes first.

See what’s happening now and connect with our team—including our Senior Israeli Community Emissary and JCRC professionals—at jewishcincinnati.org/israel-connect.

The headlines will keep shifting. What won’t change is our commitment to each other.

We can disagree without walking away. Hold your view. Hold each other. Keep talking.

Warmly,

Danielle V. Minson 
CEO
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati