At the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, we launched a tool to help community members report local incidents of antisemitism, primarily designed for use by parents and students experiencing issues of antisemitism in school settings. This form, created through the efforts of JCRC members and concerned parents, is available on the Jewish Federation website:  Israel & Antisemitism | Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee (jewishnashville.org) 

As we share this resource, we are already getting reports.  We are and will continue to engage actively with students and parents to assist in addressing, and hopefully resolving, these painful situations.  While the form does not allow for anonymous reports, it does allow for reports simply for data collection without request for specific follow up or involvement.  Going public with these issues can be intimidating, so it is possible to report without requesting specific action.  Simply collecting the data can be useful in working with school leaders and administrators interested in ensuring an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for all students, educators, staff members, and families. 

The next JCRC program event will be on Tuesday, October 5th, when we will host Noa Tishby in Nashville for a program on her book, Israel: A Simple Guide to the most Misunderstood Country On Earth.  (See full article page 1.)  The book has been exceedingly well received by most, and provides an engaging accessible, informal, and personal way into the complexities of Israel and the people who live there.  Ms. Tishby is an experienced communicator, and her voice is a welcome addition to the conversation about Israel.  JCRC will be organizing book group discussions.  If you are interested in participating, please contact Deborah Oleshansky, deborah@jewishnashville.org 

Other JCRC October Programs: 

Friday, October 22 at noon:  Virtual Lunch and Learn call with Bob Scott, CUFI Field Coordinator.  

As the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States, with over 10 million members, Christians United for Israel is the foremost Christian organization educating and empowering millions of Americans to speak and act with one voice in defense of Israel and the Jewish people. www.cufi.org 

Thursday, October 28 at 7pm: JCRC will sponsor the Nashville Jewish Film Festival viewing of Thou Shalt Not Hate.  (96 minutes in Italian with subtitles) 

 A moment’s decision at a traffic accident causes repercussion for a Jewish surgeon and a neo-Nazi’s family. Simone Segre (Alessandro Gassmann) rushes to the scene of a hit and run accident to treat the victim. When he sees a swastika tattooed on the man's chest, he loosens the tourniquet and leaves him to a certain death. Wracked with guilt the doctor has to confront his own ethics and morals while trying to take care of the Nazis family. Winner Best Italian Film Venice International Festival Winner Best Actor Alessandro Gassmann, Venice International Festival 

These programs, like all JCRC programs, come to fruition through interest and recommendations from JCRC committee and other community members.  If you would like more info or have a suggestion for a future event or program please contact Deborah Oleshansky, deborah@jewishnashville.org 

Deborah Oleshansky is Director of the Jewish Community Relations Committee