The Twin Cities’ Jewish Federations have been awarded a two-year grant for nearly $300,000 through Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) Frontline initiative, a $35 million effort to expand the Jewish community’s capacity to combat antisemitism in the wake of October 7.
The initiative, run jointly between the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, St. Paul Jewish Federation, and Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), will fund a new director of labor and civic partnerships, who “will work in tandem with JCRC’s existing education and advocacy teams to build relationships and coalitions with labor unions, civic and advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, and educators,” according to a press release.
“JCRC has long understood that combating antisemitism requires both strong advocacy and strong relationships,” said JCRC Executive Director Steve Hunegs. “We are grateful to JFNA for this investment and to the Minnesota Federations for their partnership. We look forward to working together to develop deeper connections with organizations and leaders across Minnesota.”
The press release says the Frontline grant will expand the work the Federations and the JCRC are doing around antisemitism response and advocacy, including programming in K-12 education, college campus engagement, and government relations.
The two Federations have committed to the position beyond the two-year grant.
“In the aftermath of October 7, addressing antisemitism requires proactive relationship-building and a presence at every civic table,” said James Cohen, CEO of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. “This grant enables us to bridge existing gaps by placing a dedicated organizer in the community to foster mutual understanding and stand up for Jewish inclusion alongside our allies.”
JFNA’s Frontline initiative is placing 100 new professional roles across North American Federations to elevate local civic engagement and antisemitism strategy.
The agencies’ joint leadership team identified a critical gap in ongoing organizing within labor and progressive spaces. The plan to do that includes: Engaging organized labor by building long-term relationships with leaders, staff, and members; building civic coalitions by partnering with progressive advocacy groups, faith-based networks, and grassroots organizers to counter antisemitism and antizionism; and expanding educational reach by collaborating with the JCRC’s education team.
“Minnesota has a strong, influential labor movement that plays an integral role in shaping public discourse and civic life,” said David Kaplan, CEO of the St. Paul Jewish Federation. “By partnering across the Twin Cities and with the JCRC, we are ensuring our community has a dedicated voice focused on education, collaboration, and combating anti-Jewish bias wherever it appears.”