It is hard to believe that we are approaching one year since October 7. One year since Hamas brutally murdered over 1200 Israelis. One year since Hamas took over 200 hostages. One year since Hamas started a conflict that sadly continues today. In the 11 months since that horrible day, the Jewish community here in Rhode Island has endured a lot. We have seen a rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, and when I speak with community members there is a sense of increased fear. 

I am often asked by those outside of the Jewish community where that fear comes from. Perhaps it comes from the fact that three Providence City Councilors have introduced an ordinance that would force the city to divest from Israel. Or it could come from the fact that Brown University is currently debating whether to divest from companies that do business with Israel, even though it violates state law. The fear comes from seeing that next week Brown University is hosting a speaker whose talk, “Anatomy of a Genocide” will be heard by students and others at the University. All of this alienates Israelis and members of our Jewish community, spreads libelous and untrue accusations, and elevates fear. 

I have heard this fear expressed by many of you, and while I know that I cannot make that feeling go away, I hope that I can make you feel a little better. Even though we don’t always share it publicly, the Alliance is always working for you, behind the scenes to ensure these types of things are addressed. 

Over the summer we worked with the Mayor of Providence and several other city councilors to make sure the Providence ordinance does not become law. While it is something that we continue to monitor closely, I am confident that because of the work we did, and because of the relationships we have built, the ordinance will not pass. 

At Brown University, I testified this week about the impact that a divestment resolution would have on our local Jewish community, and the damage it will do and has already done to our relationship with the University. And we sent a letter to President Paxson calling for the divisive speaker’s appearance to be cancelled. I believe deeply in free speech, but I do not believe in hate speech, and let’s be clear, that is what this speaker will bring to Brown University next week. Perhaps most important, we are working closely with Brown/RISD Hillel to ensure Jewish students on campus feel supported, and to amplify their voices against hate and antisemitism. I am grateful to the leadership at Brown/RISD Hillel, including Rabbi Josh Bolton, for continuing to create joy for students, even as we are surrounded by too much oy. 

Fear is a powerful emotion. But so is hope. And action is even more powerful. I hope that our actions at the Alliance – that we spend each day focused on issues, and fighting on your behalf – give you hope. Know that we are here for you always, and we will never shy away from our duty to serve this community.

Until next time, I wish you a safe, peaceful, and joyous Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom,
Adam Greenman
President & CEO

PS: If you haven't yet taken the community survey as part of the Alliance's strategic planning process, I hope you will consider sharing your thoughts with us. Your feedback will help us better understand the challenges facing our community, and allow us to build a plan that responds directly to the community we serve.