We en­gage in ed­u­ca­tion and ad­vo­cacy on is­sues af­fect­ing the Jew­ish com­mu­nity in Orange County and be­yond. We fo­cus on build­ing re­la­tion­ships with our leg­is­la­tors through leg­isla­tive vis­its, JPAC and events.

As the Jewish Federation of Orange County, we hold a pivotal role as the primary communications nexus, connecting the Jewish community and the broader OC community. This unique position allows us to develop and maintain deep relationships, facilitating conversations that strengthen support for the Jewish community. We engage with public officials, faith-based partners, business leaders, law enforcement agencies, and the education sectors, serving as a community mobilization hub. Our aim is to efficiently utilize resources for local needs and promote collaborative projects of shared interest with non-Jewish communities, ensuring that your voice is heard and your needs are met.

With the alarming surge in antisemitism and hate crimes, our Rose Project takes proactive measures to educate individuals of all ages on identifying, preventing, and responding to such acts. Additionally, we focus on enhancing the Jewish student experience and combating anti-Jewish sentiment within educational settings. Through initiatives like Student to Student (STS), we empower Jewish student leadership and promote self-sufficiency. We strive to create safer environments for Jewish students by providing educational resources for educators and referring high schools to the Institute of Curriculum Services curriculum. The impact of STS presentations extends beyond the classroom, fostering increased understanding of Jews and Judaism among high school students, raising awareness of religious and cultural diversity, and instilling a greater willingness to confront antisemitic comments and stereotypes.

Ensuring the safety of the Jewish community is not just a concern but our paramount commitment. The Federation takes a leading role in coordinating communications with law enforcement, first responders, public officials, and all Jewish institutions. We are actively involved in developing and maintaining a comprehensive plan for Jewish community security in Orange County, aimed at proactive engagement and safeguarding the well-being of our community members. Your safety is our top priority.

The impact of a Student to Student (STS) presentation goes well beyond the classroom and the school day. After engaging with STS Teen Ambassadors, high school students better understand Jews and Judaism, have increased awareness of religious and cultural differences and commonalities, and gain a greater desire to interrupt antisemitic comments and stereotypes when they hear them inside and outside a school setting. Click HERE for more info.

This toolkit helps facilitate discussions on issues ranging from antisemitism to the current conflict in Israel, “The Power of One” offers a comprehensive guide for engaging non-Jewish friends, addressing challenges in educational and professional environments, and effectively communicating with elected officials. Click HERE for more info.

At the core of our efforts to shrink the footprint of hate lies a commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding. Toward that goal, we have created a comprehensive resource page providing invaluable tools for educators, administrators, and learners, empowering them to build a more informed and inclusive educational environment. The resource page also provides avenues to report instances of antisemitism and hate. Click HERE for more info.