JCRC reaches out to Central Florida Hillel at Shabbat Dinner

Last November, circumstance connected the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Orlando and Central Florida Hillel. On Feb. 9, 2024, that connection was solidified in the traditional Jewish manner — over Shabbat dinner.

The connection was, in fact, prompted by shared outrage. In November, local U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost, to the surprise and dismay of the local Jewish community, voted against a congressional resolution condemning the rise of antisemitism on college campuses in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas terrorists. Representative Frost met with students at Central Florida Hillel, and several JCRC members were in attendance. Frost later apologized for his vote, though his voting record on issues relating to Israel has continued to be problematic for many in the Jewish community.

From the JCRC’s perspective, this experience highlighted two important truths. First, UCF’s Jewish population, which represents over 10 percent of the overall Jewish population of Greater Orlando, could not be overlooked. Second, despite their size, and strong support from UCF’s administration, Frost’s vote had left the students with a feeling of isolation.

This became a call to action for the JCRC. Through its director, Hunter Gold, who sits on the JCRC, plans were initiated to further strengthen the connection between the Jewish students of UCF and the Jewish community as a whole.

The message was delivered between traditional Shabbat prayers and a fine Shabbat meal. To the students, the JCRC, with several members in attendance, stated, in no uncertain terms, “you are part of our community, and we are here for you.” The students were provided with copies of the JCRC and Shalom Orlando’s “Israel Advocacy Toolbox,” which contains facts and counterarguments to combat many of the terms commonly used to defame Israel, and some additions to their library.

The connection will not end there. The JCRC announced to the students an initiative to bring student members onto the council and has already received applicants. These students will have the opportunity to provide reports from the “front lines” of their campus, work to find solutions to challenges faced by Jewish students, and gain experience working with community leaders to achieve common goals.

The JCRC of Greater Orlando will continue its efforts to support and build bridges, both in the Jewish community of central Florida, and L’dor V’dor (from generation to generation).