American Russian-Speaking Jews Alliance

The Triumph of Mordecai by Jean Fran?ois de Troy, 1736 The painting depicts a turning point within the biblical Book of Esther, where Mordecai, the Jewish leader of Persia, is rewarded by King Ahasuerus following the revelation of a plot against him. The painting depicts ideas of God's justice and turning of fortune, where Mordecai, once condemned to death by Haman, is instead attired in royal garb and paraded through the city by Jew-hating Haman. This dramatic twist of fate serves to reinforce the notion that righteousness is finally rewarded and wickedness brings ruin. The irony of Mordecai's dignified calmness and Haman's shame further serves to highlight the moral teaching of humility over pride. Apart from its immediate context, the painting represents Jewish resilience and victory over persecution, serving to reiterate the long-standing themes of the Purim narrative, themes which we may observe all around us today. The painting can be viewed at the Met Museum in NYC. Happy Purim!

The following statement is a request to the U.S. Department of Education to consider placing educational institutions that fail to deal with violation of basic student rights into a federal receivership, just like what happens with failed banks. Please get in touch with us if you would like the text version of this statement to modify and share on behalf of your community or organization.

Thank you to the 1000+ people from the Russian-speaking Jewish community and many other communities, who participated today in the 500 Days in Hell Rally in Central Park!

Thursday's vigil in Columbus Circle, Manhattan.

We will gather once again for a major rally with our partners, Hostages and Missing Family Forum, marking 500 days of captivity, standing with the families and the entire nation to reaffirm: we will not be silent until every hostage is home. Our fight continues until all 76 are free. DATE AND TIME: Sunday, February 23, 12:00 PM LOCATION: Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park, Manhattan

This Sunday we spent the morning at Jewish Community Relations Council of New York annual Congressional Breakfast, hearing from and connecting with political leaders from both parties. We had a chance to connect with the chairs of the Asian, Black, and Hispanic congressional caucuses. It was reassuring to hear direct statements from the leaders in attendance that they are committed to fighting antisemitism here and abroad, safeguarding Israel from its enemies, and bringing the hostages home. Thank you, Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, for organizing this very important event. and UJA-Federation of New York for hosting! With Mark Treyger, Ritchie Torres, Hon. Hakeem Jeffries, Yvette D. Clarke, Rep. Mike Lawler, and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Statement of the American Russian-Speaking Jews Alliance on the Israel Hostage deal

Thank you Ritchie Torres for being clear-minded and uncompromising about the antisemitic emergency on campuses.!

American Russian-Speaking Jewish Community Year-End Message Dear Friends, We are coming to the end of 2024. This has been another tough year for the global Jewish community, the American Jewish community, and, of course, for the people of Israel. Turmoil?in the Middle?East and the continued rise of antisemitism have dominated conversations?at the dinner?table, the communal tables, and at many community organizations. We pray that 2025 will be a year of transition to peace, a decline in antisemitism, and all the hostages being held in Gaza will be returned safely to their families. During 2024, the American Russian-Speaking Jews Alliance has been hard at work in fulfilling?our mission of strengthening the voices of our community and empowering partner organizations in delivering programs and services to their communities. We are proud to do our part in connecting Russian-speaking Jews and amplifying the voices of our community in important decisions and conversations. Below are just a few highlights from 2024: -Conducted a?2024 Russian-Speaking Jewish Community Survey, and presented a report on the data -Represented the Russian-speaking Jewish community in multiple resolutions and coalitions combatting antisemitism in higher education -Helped partner organizations secure funding for important communal programs -Partnered on events celebrating Israel, commemorating the Holocaust, and demanding the release of hostages -Highlighted the unique aspects of our community in multiple publications, including Tablet Magazine and eJewishPhilanthropy -Added six organizations to Our Circle of Partners -Shared personal experiences of our community members to provide a window into life in the former Soviet Union and in the diaspora We are excited to see our community and its members take leadership roles in many aspects of contemporary Jewish life! It is our great hope that in 2025 less energy will be spent on combatting hate and terrorism and more on reconnecting with the wisdoms of Judaism and with friends in our communities. May we have a miraculous Chanukkah and a peaceful 2025!?

Great to see several hundred community members attend the Israel Fair in South Brooklyn this Sunday, to hear from Israeli officials, taste Israeli cuisine, and win prizes!