JCRC Update: Stronger Together

In the past few months Jewish community leaders have been busy working with state and local officials to consider a layered approach to handling the rise of antisemitism. These efforts include drafting and proposing both state and local statutes necessary to do everything in our power to prevent future public and high-profile activity by Nazi other white nationalist groups.  This essential work is only possible through partnership with our elected officials, law enforcement professionals, and key lay leaders with the necessary expertise.  As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks taught, “Jews cannot fight antisemitism alone. The victim cannot cure the crime. The hated cannot cure the hate. The only people who can successfully combat antisemitism are those active in the cultures that harbors it.”  

One such partnership was a reception hosted at Sherith Israel for our state legislators as they began the 2025 Tennessee General Assembly session. Several bills have been proposed this session for consideration to mitigate any future possible actions by these hate groups in our city and state. 

When groups of Nazis march through out cities and state, waving swastika flags, they do not only seek to harass Jews, but they are also an afront to anyone who values civility, decency and respect. When white nationalist groups target our homes with vicious and threatening propaganda about Jews, they desecrate not only Jewish homes but violate and damage the sense of security of our friends and neighbors.   

There is no easy fix to antisemitism – it has been described as the oldest hatred, and it is only abated when we stand together to loudly oppose it.  

 None of us can stand idly by and expect to maintain our sense of safety and security.  As history teaches us, it starts with the Jews but does not end with the Jews. We cannot address antisemitism in a vacuum but only as part of a bigger endeavor to drive out the forces that breed all forms of hate and bigotry. No one in our state should be threatened or attacked simply for who they are, where they were born, who they love, how they worship, or even if they worship.   

This work is not easy, and there is no single solution to the ills of hate and bigotry.  JCRC will continue to work actively, and proactively to educate and advocate on behalf of the Jewish community of greater Nashville, and to pursue the civility, decency and respect necessary to ensure the welcoming, inclusive and secure community we want and deserve. 

JCRC Activity 

• Active participation in the Hate Crime Working Group convened by Sen. Mark Pody, which has resulted in several bills for consideration by the 2025 General Assembly 

• Active participation in meetings with city officials to update necessary city ordinances 

• Ongoing cooperation with Metro Nashville Police Department to ensure all officers are trained about the Jewish community. This is in addition to the established tradition in which all new MNPD Cadets visit the Gordon JCC and tour the Nashville Holocaust Memorial. 

• Ongoing work with Metro Nashville Public Schools and other local private schools to address issues of concern by Jewish students and families. 

SAVE THE DATE: 

JCRC Social Justice Seder 

Thursday, April 3 

Door open 5:30 Program and dinner from 6-8pm