UC Student Leads AJC Panel on Digital Antisemitism
Samantha Abdoo, a University of Cincinnati junior and president of Bearcats for Israel, did more than introduce the experts at “Antisemitism in the Age of Algorithms: Confronting Hate in a Digital World.” She developed every question and moderated the discussion with Holly Huffnagle, AJC’s U.S. director for combating antisemitism, and Jocelyn Flores, its assistant director of research and advocacy.
CAIR-Ohio Hires Official from IU Initiative That Trained Hamas “Sham Charity”
Council for American Islamic Relations (CAIR) – Ohio announced Thursday that it hired Abdul Samad Amjad as their Director of Government & Community Relations, who previously worked at the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI) at Indiana University (IU). Amjad, who used the name Abdul Samad professionally during his tenure at IU, served as MPI’s associate director until the initiative was closed by the university in late July following an internal investigation.
Why Book Clubs Happen To Good Members
Oprah’s famous book club has the mission statement of engendering conversation, sparking enlightenment, helping launch emerging authors, and reacquainting us with the already prominent, with the ultimate goal of connecting readers around a community of fellow bibliophiles. For three weeks in July, members and guests of Wise Temple gathered to embody a similar spirit. They met to discuss one of the seminal works of our time, Rabbi Harold Kushner’s When Bad Things Happen to Good People.
New Law Puts Focus on Jewish Holiday Absences
Ohio’s new school absentee law now tells observant Jewish students two things at once: They may miss school for religious holidays without academic penalty. But those same excused hours can still count toward chronic absenteeism.
Cincinnati SJP States Chapter Placed on Probation Following April Conference Protest
The University of Cincinnati (UC) chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) announced Aug. 9 that it had been placed on probation following disciplinary proceedings related to its April 21 protest of a university-sponsored conference on the Abraham Accords.
An Experience of a Lifetime: 2026 Maccabiah Games
The 2026 Maccabiah Games in Israel were a deeply meaningful experience in my life. Unfortunately, the previous year’s Maccabiah Games had been canceled because of the War, and I was devastated when I learned I would not have the opportunity to compete. When the Games got rescheduled for 2026, I was ecstatic!
University of Cincinnati Students for Justice in Palestine Chapter Announces It Faces Suspension
The University of Cincinnati (UC) chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) announced on July 12 that it is facing disciplinary action over its April 21 protest of an on-campus event focused on the Abraham Accords. The chapter is now soliciting testimony and video to fight the sanction through the website of YUSRA, a Cincinnati nonprofit co-founded by the same non-student activist who led the chants that day.
Israeli Baseball Shows Off Cincinnati’s Jewish Talent
On Thursday evening, July 16, the smell of popcorn filled the Mayerson JCC as Cincinnati’s Jewish baseball community gathered to watch Israel Swings for Gold. Before the lights went down, David Harris looked across a room filled with Hebrew day school alumni, JCC softball players and supporters of Israel and called the program “a true
Record Attendance at J Classic
On June 11, over 400 community members gathered at Losantiville Country Club for the JCC’s J Classic. The event, historically a golf event, now includes women’s and men’s tennis and pickleball. Other activities include Canasta and Mahj, which have also seen an increase in participation.
A Value: We Literally Walk Out. My Experience at Cincinnati Pride as a Queer Jew
The gay pride parade is all about celebrating who you are loudly and proudly, and this applies to the Jewish community as well. Despite the dreary weather, thousands of people showed up to walk or watch the parade, including Cincinnati’s Jewish community. Seeing the Mayerson JCC bus roll down Seventh Street, surrounded by queer Jews and Jewish allies was a reminder that my existence matters. (The huge hug I got from Rebecca Garfinkle made sure I didn’t forget that).