The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Post

Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion once said, “It is not enough to be up to date, you have to be up to tomorrow.” This wisdom rings true now more than ever as we face unprecedented challenges and opportunities in connecting American Jews and Israel. The recent Israel-Hamas conflict underscored the essential bond between our communities. American Jewish Committee (AJC)’s 2024 Survey of American Jewish Opinion revealed that 85% of American Jews believe it’s crucial for America to support Israel, and 57% felt more connected to Israel and their Jewish identity after the October 7 events. Yet, many expressed a gap in their education about Israel, highlighting the need for initiatives that deepen this connection. Programs like AJC’s Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) are pivotal. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, LFT has empowered over 2,500 high school students to become passionate advocates for Israel and the Jewish people. Meeting these young leaders is nothing short of inspiring—they choose to learn and stand up for what matters, even amid their busy lives. Equally inspiring are the Shlichim from The Jewish Agency for Israel, who serve as living bridges between Israel and Jewish communities across North America. Their firsthand experiences and cultural exchanges enrich both their understanding and ours, fostering mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose. The newly announced partnership between AJC and The Jewish Agency is a testament to our commitment to these connections. This collaboration will create informed, passionate advocates and build lifelong relationships between young Jewish American leaders and Israeli emissaries. I am filled with hope and determination as I settle in into my new role. Strengthening these bonds is not just a professional duty but a personal mission. We are investing in the next generation of Jewish leaders, ensuring that they have the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive. Together, we are not just navigating today’s challenges; we are building a brighter, more connected tomorrow. I look forward to contributing to this vital work and standing on the shoulders of giants who have paved the way. Let’s continue this journey with open hearts and minds, ready to support and uplift one another. #JewishLeadership #AJC #Israel #JewishAgency #FutureOfJewry #CommunityBuilding #Advocacy

Boundless, in partnership with Brandeis University and JCC Association of North America, recently hosted a “Navigating Israel and the Rise of Antisemitism” seminar for 50 JCC executives from across the US. "The seminar provided 'an academic deep dive' into the history of antisemitism and how it connects to Israel... Attendees learned how to support and nurture 'a big tent community' with diverse perspectives on these topics." Read more in eJewishPhilanthropy: https://lnkd.in/eU9NJHFB

The value of fraternities and sororities is networking https://lnkd.in/eQadcgXS

https://lnkd.in/e2xj8vNA New collaboration seeks to reignite Black-Jewish alliance This is an important initiative and long past due. However, to succeed, it will need to overcome a complicating issue: Most pro-Israel blacks are Conservatives/Republicans, and most Jews are Leftists/Democrats.

Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the long and difficult journey toward freedom and equality. Today, we reflect on the past and educate ourselves about the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. Let’s use this day to listen, learn, and support each other in the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Share resources, attend events, and engage in meaningful conversations. Together, we can make a difference. #Juneteenth #ReflectAndEducate #JusticeForAll

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a profound reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. #Juneteenth is a time to honor the resilience and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over oppression and encourages reflection on the journey toward equality and justice. This day is not just about remembering the past, but also about acknowledging the work still needed to achieve true freedom for all. While slavery was officially abolished over 150 years ago, forms of modern slavery still exist today, including human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation. These injustices affect millions worldwide, including vulnerable populations within the U.S. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom and justice continues. On Juneteenth, let’s celebrate the progress made and commit to fighting modern slavery. Educate yourself, support organizations working to end exploitation, and advocate for policies that protect vulnerable individuals. By doing so, we honor the legacy of Juneteenth and continue the fight for true freedom and equality for all.

The Significance of Juneteenth On June Nineteenth, we celebrate a pivotal moment in history—Juneteenth—when the chains of slavery were broken, marking the beginning of a new era of hope and unity for all, both former slaves and free citizens. The end of slavery did more than liberate those who were directly oppressed; it laid the foundation for universal freedom and justice. For the enslaved, it meant reclaiming their lives and dreams. For free citizens, it was a moral awakening to uphold the dignity and equality of every human being in the U.S. Yes, there is still much work to do and I'm not excluding other segments of the population that went on to be enslaved after this. This was a start. The end of African American slavery paved the way for civil rights movements, where people of all backgrounds fought for equality and justice. Women's suffrage, labor rights, and educational equality all draw strength from the spirit of liberation that Juneteenth represents. The economic and cultural contributions of African Americans began to flourish, enriching American society and fostering innovation and progress. Modern movements for social justice, such as criminal justice reform and the fight against systemic racism, continue the work started by those who celebrated the first Juneteenth, striving for a society where every person can thrive. And again, there is much work to do. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not just the absence of chains but the presence of opportunity and equality for all. It calls us to honor the sacrifices made and commit to a future where justice and liberty prevail for everyone. When we uplift each other, we all rise. Michael Raymond June 19, 2024

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and the ongoing fight for equality. This day marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and is a testament to the strength and determination of a community that refused to be silenced. As we honor this pivotal moment in history, I reflect on the parallels with the journey of living with chronic illness. Much like the fight for freedom, our path is fraught with challenges, setbacks, and the need for unwavering resilience. For those of us living with chronic illnesses, every day is a battle for our own version of freedom – freedom from pain, from limitations, and from the stigma that often surrounds our conditions. We may face days where our bodies feel like prisons, but we also have moments of triumph where our spirit breaks through and we reclaim our power. Juneteenth teaches us that liberation is not just a moment, but a continuous journey. It’s about rising every day with the determination to live fully, despite the odds. It’s about finding strength in our community and lifting each other up. To my fellow warriors: Let’s draw inspiration from this day. Let’s celebrate our victories, no matter how small, and continue to push for our own emancipation from the confines of chronic illness. Together, we can build a world where our voices are heard, our struggles are recognized, and our resilience is celebrated. #Juneteenth #Resilience #ChronicIllness #Empowerment #Freedom #Community

Juneteenth: Understanding its Mental Impact Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, symbolizes freedom and the resilience of the human spirit. As we prepare to commemorate Juneteenth and it’s historical significance, let’s also keep in mind of its profound mental impact and collaboration that we can continue to strengthen towards stronger, more holistic resilient communities. Many will honor Juneteenth with a day of joy and celebration, in representation of African Americans who endured and overcame immense hardships. However, Juneteenth also brings to light the enduring psychological scars of slavery and systemic racism, scars that continue to affect African American communities today. The collective trauma experienced by these communities over generations, coupled with ongoing discrimination and inequality, cannot be overlooked. This day can evoke a range of emotions, from pride and triumph to sorrow and reflection on the struggles that persist. With the above notation, this is also an excellent opportunity to promote and advocate for fair wages, educational and economic opportunities, as well as social and legal reforms that can contribute to one’s overall well-being. By advocating for accessible mental health care, promoting self-care, and standing against systemic racism, can definitely honor the legacy of Juneteenth. Together, we work towards a future where freedom and equality is not just desired but evident.

Happy Juneteenth! 🎉 Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, the day after Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, he announced the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is a time to honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It is a day for reflection, education, and celebration of freedom and equality. Here are some key points about Juneteenth: 📜 Historical Significance: Juneteenth symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of this event. 🕊️ Celebration of Freedom: It marks a major milestone in the ongoing journey toward equality and civil rights for African Americans. 📚 Education and Awareness: Understanding the history of Juneteenth helps us acknowledge the struggles and achievements of African Americans and promotes a more inclusive and informed society. Join us in celebrating Juneteenth by learning more about its history and supporting efforts towards equality and justice. Together, we can honor the past and work towards a brighter future. #Juneteenth #Emancipation #FreedomDay #AfricanAmericanHistory #EqualityForAll #CelebrateFreedom #PsychedServices #learndo