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fighting antisemitism

How ‘JewBelong’ Billboard Messages Inspire Hope and Gratitude in the Battle Against Antisemitism

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The first time I noticed the signature JewBelong hot pink billboard with a message advocating for not only Jewish safety, but also for Jewish understanding, I thought: how clever!  It felt like a gift ‘from above’, and in these treacherous times of skyrocketing antisemitism, particularly since October 7, each one feels like a gift–but so much more.

Each billboard ‘sighting’, including the ones that travel on trucks, and recently on water too, instill a sense of relief and comfort that someone ‘out there’ understands the threats looming and is taking concrete steps to influence hearts and minds far and wide, and not just Jewish ones. In short, they are not just singing to the choir, but trying to reach as its founder puts it, “the mushy middle.”

I was thrilled for the opportunity to meet the ‘brains’ behind these messages, JewBelong’s cofounder Archie Gottesman, at a recent fundraiser for UJA Federation of New York. Visit: ujafedny.org

On June 6, 100s gathered at the Brae Burn Country Club in Harrison, NY, for a presentation by Gottesman about the billboards’ vital messaging and the need for as many as possible out there too.

Archie Gottesman, co-founder, JewBelong

To date, the billboards have appeared in 32 states. They very much require charitable contributions to launch and sustain, so do visit JewBelong.com 

“Any amount matters,” Gottesman said.

“I don’t care where you are in your Jewish journey,” Gottesman stated. “We have a message for everyone. It’s an expensive battle – 200 billboards cost approximately one million dollars– (and they have to battle graffiti too) but it is so worthwhile and so important.”  

More of what Gottesman conveyed during her talk:

“Every billboard starts a conversation. I want the world to be talking about antisemitsm.  It’s not fair that we have been talking about everyone else’s rights and leaving antisemitism off the table. That’s how change is made in this country.”

“When you think about social issues the country talks about, such as Black Lives Matter or Me Too, they had to become aware of the issue first.  Message matters.”

“I’m going for the ‘mushy middle’; those people who can still be swayed by the messaging. Too many are getting swayed by the other side.”

The information below is courtesy of/direct from JewBelong:  

About JewBelong

JewBelong is a non-profit group supporting Joyous Judaism and fighting antisemitism through a national outdoor campaign that includes traditional billboards as well as billboard trucks. JewBelong has run over 600 billboards across the country reaching over 250 million people. Our trucks have crossed the country and reached many millions more! Through a library of free resources, JewBelong also offers education and meaningful DIY rituals for Jews, allies, and anyone who has felt like a Jewish outsider or feels disengaged from the religion.

About JewBelong co-founder Archie Gottesman

Prior to founding JewBelong, Archie served for more than 30 years as executive vice-president/chief branding officer of Edison Properties and its multiple entities. Gottesman was the voice behind Manhattan Mini Storage’s iconic billboards, which became a viral sensation with a mix of edgy humor and common-sense advice.

 

 

Nearly 800 Attended Community-Wide Program to Learn About Initiatives to Combat Antisemitism and Hate

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(l-r) Mark Weitzman; Audrey Stein, Regional Director, UJA-Federation; Hindy Poupko, Elliot Forchheimer, CEO, Westchester Jewish Council; Westchester DA, Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr.

WHITE PLAINS, NY (January 10, 2019) Nearly 800 members of the Westchester community attended “Anti-Semitism: What We Face and How We Fight It,” a discussion about the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States and abroad, and Westchester’s efforts to combat hatred. The event, presented by UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester, in collaboration with Westchester Jewish Council, took place on Wednesday, January 8, at Temple Israel Center in White Plains.

(l-r) Mark Weitzman; Lisa Roberts, President (Mahopac), Westchester Jewish Council; Hindy Poupko; Arlene Kleinberg (New Rochelle), Cindy Golub (Mamaroneck), Westchester DA, Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr.

Cindy Golub of Mamaroneck, UJA Regional Chair, welcomed the attendees, and Arlene Kleinberg of New Rochelle, UJA Westchester Annual Campaign Chair, introduced the evening’s guest speakers. The program featured three experts who provided insight into the rise of anti-Semitism and what is being done to address the challenge.

Westchester District Attorney, Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. opened the program and shared insights into the work that his office does to create a safer and more secure community. The Westchester Intelligence Center, a unit of the DA’s office, ensures hate crimes are prosecuted appropriately and justice is served. Mark Weitzman, Director of Government Affairs for the Simon Wiesenthal Center provided historical context about anti-Semitism, reminding the audience that anti-Semitism is not new – we are simply seeing the growth of what has always been present.

(l-r) Laurie Girsky (Mamaroneck), Chair, UJA Women; Tris Berger (Scarsdale), Chair, Westchester Women; Arlene Kleinberg (New Rochelle), Cindy Golub (Mamaroneck)

Hindy Poupko, Deputy Chief Planning Officer at UJA-Federation of New York concluded the formal remarks with an overview of the many initiatives that UJA-Federation is undertaking to combat anti-Semitism including making a major investment in security. “We are embarking on a new, multi-million-dollar effort to engage in a wholesale upgrade of our community security infrastructure”, said Poupko. This includes the hiring of former NYPD director of intelligence analysis, Mitchell Silber, as UJA’s new Community Security Director to lead a team of five locally based security directors. In addition, a new position will support the specific security needs of Jewish day and residential camps.

Beyond enhancing security, UJA is strengthening community relations efforts with non-Jewish groups, advocating for critical government support, helping organizations access government security funding and empowering college students with tools to engage in healthy discourse about Israel on campus.

The program concluded with the speakers responding to questions submitted by the audience.

Nearly 800 people attended “Anti-Semitism: What We Face and How We Fight” presented by UJA-Federation of New York in collaboration with Westchester Jewish Council.

 

About UJA-Federation of New York

For more than 100 years, UJA-Federation has brought New Yorkers together to solve some of the most pressing problems facing our community. Through UJA, more than 50,000 donors impact the issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, respond to crises close to home and far away, and shape our Jewish future. Working with a network of hundreds of nonprofits, UJA extends its reach from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching the lives of 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

 

News courtesy of the UJA-Federation of New York