Dear Seattle Community,

What matters most to you? 

This week, we are asking all of you this important question as part of our Jewish Community Public Policy Priorities Survey, and I hope you take a few minutes to share your thoughts. 

We know our diverse community of 75,000 cares deeply about many issues affecting Jewish people and our neighbors. As a community, we span a spectrum of political views and opinions. Our role as the Federation is to represent our community when we advocate on your behalf in Olympia. So, let us know what matters most to you. Your answers will help us focus the public policy agenda of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) for the next legislative session. 

We know many in our community are deeply worried about the continued rise in antisemitism and the impact it is having on us as a Jewish people. We are a tiny minority group in the United States and yet the target of a vastly disproportionate amount of hate-based attacks and incidents. But you have the power to make a difference by choosing to confront hate.

In addition to filling out the Public Policy Priorities Survey, you can participate in building a safer, more cohesive Washington by joining me at the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Pacific Northwest Office’s inaugural Hope Over Hate Summit on October 19. This half-day event (from 1 to 5 pm) in downtown Seattle is hosted in partnership with the Federation and is a remarkable opportunity for Jewish and non-Jewish allies to join together for education, community building, and advocacy.

You will hear from inspiring speakers, including former Seattle Seahawk Doug Baldwin; Oren Segal, SVP of Counter-Extremism and Intelligence at ADL; Carmen Best, former Chief of Police, City of Seattle; Steve Gonzalez, Chief Justice of the WA Supreme Court; Courtney Gregoire, Vice President and Chief Digital Safety Officer at Microsoft, and many more! Join us for a chance to meet and collaborate with people who make an impact and learn practical tools to help you effectively use your voice to promote change. Register today! Tickets are $40, and student admission is free (contact pacificnorthwest@adl.org for a student promo code).

As we confront hate in our region, let’s not forget to hold on to hope for better days in Israel. Today also marks 700 days since October 7. I hope you will join me in praying for peace and for the release of the remaining 48 hostages in Gaza—20 of whom are believed to be alive.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and making your voices heard as we build a safer, more hopeful future together.

Shabbat Shalom,