05/12/2016
Members of Knesset Visit Jewish Cleveland
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By Jessica Cohen
Managing Director, Community Relations
It is the mark of a special relationship where both parties take the time to show support for each other and learn from one another. Last week, the special relationships between Israel and the United States grew even stronger with the visit of three members of Knesset to Cleveland. Michael Rozin (Meretz), Dr. Nachman Shai (Zionist Camp), and Meir Cohen (Yesh Atid) came to Cleveland to better understand the challenges and dynamics of our thriving diaspora Jewish community. Their visit began with an evening of conversation with a select group of Cleveland’s lay leadership, hosted by Michael and Anita Siegal and Charles and Ilana Horowitz Ratner.
While here, the delegation was introduced to three innovative programs that support and serve four different and growing parts of our diverse Jewish community. Representatives from our Young Leadership Division, Moishe House, and JHub shared how through their respective programs, young Jews are welcomed and are finding their seats at the Jewish communal table. The Shin Shinim and shlichim who were there shared their role in bringing a piece of Israel to Cleveland. The future of the Cleveland Jewish community shone brightly that morning.
The physical security of the Jewish community has become a priority as world events have dictated. The delegation was eager to hear from Mayor Merle Gorden and Captain Gary Haba in Beachwood about the public/private partnership the Federation has nurtured to enhance communal security . Leading the way nationally, Cleveland’s innovative and forward-thinking approach to community security emphasized for the members of Knesset the realities of Jewish life in the United States.
After an interview with the Cleveland Jewish News and a roundtable meeting with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the delegation left for the next stop on its itinerary. However, they left knowing first-hand the heart and strength of our Cleveland Jewish community.
