CAIR Leader’s Graphic ‘Skin Bank’ Rant Rocks Ohio Senate During Antisemitism Hearing
ebruary 18th saw the continuation of the second legislative attempt to codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into state law. The hearing for Senate Bill 87 drew a wave of dissent, consisting of 67 testimonies from a broad coalition including the ACLU of Ohio, Council for American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Ohio, Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), and the Ohio Poor People’s Campaign.
The dissenters opposed the formal codification of the IHRA definition, which is currently in practice via Executive Order 2022-06D, issued by Governor Mike DeWine. While DeWine’s order required state agencies and public universities to adopt the definition following a surge of antisemitic incidents, the order is set to expire at the conclusion of his term. Proponents of SB 87 argue that without codification, the protection of Jewish Ohioans remains at the mercy of future governors’ discretion. If enacted, Ohio would join at least 37 other states that have already codified the definition.
Cincinnati Punches Above Its Weight on SB 87
Most legislative hearings are exactly what you’d expect. Lawmakers move through agendas, staffers shuffle papers, and bills advance with little drama. The Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Senate Bill 87, delayed by a winter storm and held on February 11th, followed that familiar script. In just over thirty minutes, legislators addressed measures involving catalytic converters, firearms reporting requirements, and probate estate fees. SB 87 came last.
A Case For Leaving the House
I’ll admit it — it’s cold. It’s the kind of cold that makes you feel like staying in is the sensible choice. The kind where you sit on your couch with your blanket, your tea, and those pajamas that were never meant to be seen by anyone you respect.
And listen, that’s fine for a day or two. But if you’re waiting for a Level 3 to justify leaving the house — that’s a red flag. What you really need, every once in a while, is a night to be iconic.
CCFI Kicks Off the Year With Policy, Advocacy, and Israel Update
The Cincinnati Coalition for Israel (CCFI) held its first meeting of the year on Monday, January 12, at the Orange Spot Bistro, convening supporters for a lunchtime briefing focused on recent developments surrounding the Abraham Accords and Israel’s current security situation.
Lotsa Latkes
As we all know, latkes are one of the most important aspects of Hanukkah. We’ve all eaten these delicious potato pancakes and argued about whether applesauce or sour cream is the superior topping (it’s obviously applesauce). But what about other flavors of latkes?
Hanukkah 2025
Hanukkah 2025 will not be remembered for latkes or that incredible dreidel spin. In the last 24 hours, Jews have watched a series of events unfold that are difficult to ignore: a deadly attack at a Hanukkah gathering on a beach in Australia, a shooting reported inside a Jewish Studies classroom at Brown University, and
Jewish Joy Found in Oxford
After a long first semester filled with new friendships, meaningful moments, and the slow but powerful feeling of finding home in a new place, Hillel at Miami University (Hillel at Miami) students are finally taking a well deserved break. This semester, we built something special. We shared Shabbats that felt like family dinners, holidays that
Israel Experiences and Learning Opportunities at the University of Cincinnati
CINCINNATI – Amidst the study sessions, last-minute cramming, and stress the end of semester may to students who face exams, the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) Israel Initiative Committee (IIC) opened a space for two hours, offering students a break, dinner, and an opportunity to hear about what UC can offer in the upcoming semester. The
What They Got Right: Lessons From the Tree of Life Gala
Downtown Cincinnati was buzzing on Wednesday night. Babysitters were booked solid, dinner reservations were impossible to get and Music Hall became the center of gravity. Some people were dressed up for the Nas concert; others — myself included — were headed to the Jewish National Fund’s (JNF) Tree of Life Gala. This year’s gala honored
Holding Hope Together
When the Jewish Federation announced “Holding Hope Together as the Hostages Return,” people came. Because we needed to be in a room with other Jews who get it.