Last week, I wrote about the Lake Theater and its marquee, which has garnered lots of press. Although we did not initially know the intent of the message, we do now. The theater manager said, "I believe modern-day antisemitism is exaggerated, mostly as a defense for Israel’s actions in the Middle East and its involvement in our politics, and my intention in referencing Jewish people on the marquee was to prod at everything being seemingly antisemitic with a statement that couldn’t possibly be construed as antisemitic.” Interesting view, since he essentially trivialized the surge in antisemitism here in Portland and elsewhere.

As we continue to combat antisemitism, we did have a major win.

You may have seen the news that Reed College settled two federal Title VI complaints alleging it failed to protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment, including a 2024 dorm attack where a student's mezuzah was destroyed and she was struck by a thrown rock. Filed by the Brandeis Center and ADL, the complaints followed a November 2023 "Intifada Everywhere" protest (that happened on the anniversary of Kristallnacht). In the agreement, Reed College denies wrongdoing but agreed to sweeping reforms: antisemitism training, banning class cancellations for protests, adopting the IHRA antisemitism definition, recognizing anti-Zionist harassment as potential national-origin discrimination, appointing a Title VI coordinator, requiring mask-wearers to identify themselves, and independent monitoring with public reports.

Advocates called the deal more far-reaching than similar settlements at Harvard and Berkeley, calling it a national model other universities should emulate in addressing campus antisemitism proactively.

The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) had met multiple times with Audrey Bilger, Reed College president, encouraging her to take steps to combat antisemitism on campus. Additionally, we supported the Brandeis Center‘s Title VI case, helping to arrange meetings with the impacted students.

We heard from Dr. Karnell McConnell-Black, Reed College Vice President for Student Life, who shared the following:

"I wanted to share directly with you that Reed College has entered into a voluntary agreement, with the support of the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, with the Brandeis Center and the Anti-Defamation League. I felt it was important that you hear this news from me personally. I have linked the college resolution page for your reference.

As I have shared over the past couple of years, Reed remains committed to supporting our Jewish students and affirming the fullness of their identities and experiences. This includes ensuring that Jewish students can learn, live, work, and engage in campus life in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and exclusion. My hope, and my commitment, is that we continue working together to strengthen the community of support that allows our Jewish students to thrive fully and authentically.

I want to reaffirm the College’s support for and engagement with Hillel and the Jewish Federation, as well as my appreciation for the partnership we have been building over the past year. I am hopeful that this next chapter will create even stronger opportunities for collaboration and impact."

We look forward to seeing Reed College implement these reforms and hope for positive days ahead for all Jewish students and every student.

I thought I would try something a little different this week, and honestly, I am excited and anxious about it.

I write every Friday, sharing my thoughts, my hopes, and my perspective on our Jewish community. But the more I write, the more I find myself wanting to flip the page around. Because the truest story of our community does not come from me. It comes from you. It emerges when people are asked to reflect honestly and speak candidly about what they see, what they feel, and what they hope for.

Greater Portland's Jewish community is at a moment where that kind of reflection matters more than ever. We are shaped by shifting demographics, generational change, political divides, and a broader climate of uncertainty. And yet, I find real reason for optimism in all of it, because uncertainty is also an invitation. It is an invitation to listen more closely, to ask better questions, and to build something together rather than assuming we already know the answers. This requires listening. Real listening.

That is why I am raising five questions for you to answer. They ask you to name strengths, to imagine a shared vision, to name obstacles, to describe your own personal connection, while holding both hope and concern at the same time.

• Considering Jewish life in Greater Portland, what is our Jewish community doing well?
   
• When you think about a vibrant Jewish community, what do you imagine it to look like?
   
• What do you think gets in the way, or could get in the way, of us creating a more vibrant Jewish community in the future?
   
• In what ways, if any, do you feel connected to Judaism, Jewish practice, Jewish institutions, and the Jewish community?
   
• When you think about the future of the Jewish community, what gives you hope? What concerns you?

Simply hit reply, answer any or all of the questions, and your email will come straight to me. Share whatever you wish, as much or as little as you would like, and know that your comments will never be attributed to you.

Your responses matter -- and they matter to me personally. A vibrant Jewish community is built from the accumulated voices of people who show up, who care, who sometimes struggle with belonging, and who still choose, again and again, to engage with the question of what comes next.

I understand this only works if it reflects the full range of voices in our community, including yours. Whatever you share -- whether affirming, critical, or uncertain -- will be taken seriously and will inform how we move forward together.

Shabbat shalom and I am eager to read your responses.