Despite rising incidents of anti-Semitism nationwide, Greater Orlando’s Jewish community continues to feel welcome.

Chabad of South Orlando’s Menorah Parade

For many minorities in the U.S., the past year or so has not been easy. Insults, threats, vandalism, assaults and worse have become almost commonplace occurrences, to the point where it can be difficult to keep track of them all. As anyone who’s familiar with current events knows, Jews have joined Muslims and Hispanics in being among the most frequently targeted groups— but here in Greater Orlando, the Jewish population reports experiences that have been far kinder than the national average.

“Orlando has always been very welcoming for the Jewish community as well as others,” says Keith Dvorchik, CEO of the Roth Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Orlando, located in Maitland. “I think that’s one of the aspects of Orlando many of us realized after the Pulse tragedy.”

Not that it’s all been smooth sailing locally— after all, even the best barrels inevitably have a few bad apples—but for the most part, Jewish residents find that life has continued much as it did before the recent hysteria. Still, given the current climate, several local organizations believe it’s prudent to not just be proactive in combatting anti-Semitism, but in doing their part to lead by example simply by being good neighbors—and they’ve been strengthening our community as a whole in the process.

Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

When it comes to confronting anti-Semitism, one of our area’s most prominent Jewish organizations, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando (JFGO), which has offices in Maitland, takes an active role.

“Through [our] advocacy and social-action arm—the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)—the Federation regularly sponsors community forums and encourages its constituents to speak out and take action on matters that affect Jews in Central Florida, in Israel and around the world,” says Paul Lefton, director of marketing and communication for JFGO.

Key examples of this important work occurred earlier this year. “In April and June, JCRC organized two solution-based community discussions about anti-Semitism led by Eric Ross, associate regional director of [the Anti-Defamation League],” says Lefton. In February, JCRC presented a community event, “Combating the Delegitimization of Israel,” which focused on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement that is known for its attacks on the Jewish state and use of anti-Semitism to incite hatred.

The organization hasn’t shied away from using media to spread their positive message, either. “In 2015, when anti-Israel billboards began showing up in Central Florida, JCRC members submitted letters to the editor of the Orlando Sentinel in defense of U.S. aid to Israel,” says Lefton. “Later that year, Federation President Rhonda Forest penned an Orlando Sentinel op-ed in which she defended the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship in the wake of the billboard campaign.”

Other efforts include the creation of a special web page, JFGO.org/TakeAction, with resources to help all interested parties recognize and report anti- Semitic and other hate-based incidents.

“We remain committed to combating anti- Semitism wherever and whenever it occurs,” says Lefton, “and in the months ahead, the Federation will be devoting even more staff resources to provide rapid response to anti-Semitic and anti-Israel activities.”

Roth Family JCC of Greater Orlando

Per Dvorchik, the JCC has found that local and state governments have been there whenever the Jewish community has needed them. “We are lucky to have such wonderful people and agencies that care about the larger community,” he says. “This includes law enforcement and the fire departments, as well as the school systems.”

For the most part, the JCC prefers to not dwell on fear of attacks, instead putting a premium on engaging with the community. “From our many various synagogues and social-service organizations to the Roth Family JCC and the Rosen JCC [in southwest Orlando], there are many opportunities to get involved across the age spectrum in a variety of different ways,” says Dvorchik. “We are an inclusive community that welcomes diversity and encourages being a part of the larger Central Florida community.”

The JCC has also found that offering numerous opportunities for involvement has a way of opening doors to teachable moments. “People genuinely want to understand what it means to be Jewish and what the difference is between being Jewish and other religions,” Dvorchik says. “I love it when non-Jewish members ask any question, because it’s an opportunity to educate and to learn.”

And yes, a sizable portion of the JCC’s membership is non-Jewish—about 40 percent, in fact. “As such,” says Dvorchik, “our members do a great job of helping break down stereotypes and educating others. As a community organization where race, religion, color, creed, sexual orientation and other things don’t impede on membership or participation in anything, we strive to be examples of a welcoming and inclusive community that everybody wants to be a part of.”

Chabad of South Orlando’s Rabbi Yosef Konikov

Chabad of South Orlando

In June, Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a budget that includes more than $654,000 in funds to help bolster security at Jewish schools—including the one run by Chabad of South Orlando. Although specifics of how those funds will be used are still being finalized, the Chabad’s Rabbi Yosef Konikov welcomes them.

“From what I understand,” he says, “it could be used for bettering security at the school, like cameras and access control, and we’re looking forward to—God willing— using those funds for when the time comes.”

The additional funding builds on what Konikov describes as an already solid partnership with local and state authorities. “We’ve gained a good relationship and communication with law enforcement,” he says. “They’ve been here, we’ve been to them, and we spent some time going through different ideas of proper precautionary steps that should be taken. … People have been very helpful, and we’re hoping that some of the crazies out there [aren’t] the norm.”

Konikov also has two-pronged advice for members of the Jewish community. “Number one, of course, is to be vigilant and not to disregard [incidents] that may be suspicious,” he says. “Number two, it’s also equally important not to lose trust in the system and to be paranoid and fearful all day.”

Accordingly, he cautions against trying to hide one’s identity or avoid living a regular American life. “That’s also a big mistake,” says Konikov. “I think it’s very important to be extra vigilant and also be sure to not be too paranoid and not to change who you are and go into fearful mode, because that’s totally wrong. That’s really giving in to those who want to do harm.”

Following his own advice, Konikov adds that he hasn’t been too concerned about the recent rise in anti-Semitism. “We know there are some people out there that do have hate, but we believe that it’s important to just share friendship and love, and the more we display that, the more other people will imitate it,” he says.

“Just like you have copycatters in the negative, it works the same in the positive. We’re really very happy, and we feel the community is welcoming. We really love the community.”

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s August 2017 issue.