Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council

09/04/2026

We’re grateful to Penrod for taking the time to talk with us about this year’s Arts Festival falling on Rosh Hashanah. Because the festival is always held on the second Saturday in September, this year resulted in an unfortunate overlap. We appreciate their openness in helping us better understand the scheduling process and, especially, their willingness to publicly acknowledge the conflict and what it means for members of our community.

09/03/2026

Mazel tov to Rebecca Schalit-Newman! This appointment is incredibly well-deserved. We look forward to working with Rebecca as we continue to strengthen partnerships and community alongside JFGI.

Please join us in celebrating Rebecca Schalit-Newman's appointment as the new CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis!

For over a decade, Rebecca has been a leader in Jewish communal organizations, including the last three years serving our own community. Her fresh ideas, steady dedication and drive have helped fuel real growth and engagement across the Federation.

Today is an exciting day for the Federation, and we can't wait to see the future Rebecca will help build for our Jewish community.

Mazel tov, Rebecca!

09/03/2026

Earlier this week JCRC Executive Director David Sklar and Torchbearer Public Affair’s Caryl Auslander joined Israel’s Consul General to the Midwest Elad Strohmayer for a great meeting with Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam. We discussed great opportunities to deepen Carmel’s relationship with Israel.

09/02/2026

In the wake of the October 7 terrorist attacks, anti-Israel activism surged on college campuses nationwide. Demonstrations often shared the same messaging, tactics, and ideological playbook, raising important questions about the forces organizing and funding them.

Campus Under Pressure will examine how international funding and tax-exempt organizations have helped shape this activism, as well as what the resulting campus climate has meant for Jewish students. Join us for this timely discussion: https://bit.ly/CampusUnderPressure

Registration is required.

08/26/2026

Join the Greater Indianapolis Jewish community as we gather to commemorate the 3rd anniversary of the October 7 attacks with a meaningful remembrance experience. Register at bit.ly/4theirmemory

As we approach three years since the horrific events of October 7, 2023, we invite our community to come together in remembrance and honor the lives lost.
We will gather to memorialize the victims and invite participants to take part in a remembrance walk or commemorative run. The program will also feature wellness stations, creating space for reflection and healing.
Together, we hope to find comfort in one another, draw strength from our unity, and honor the memories of those we have lost 💙
Visit bit.ly/4theirmemory to register and learn more.

08/25/2026

📣Don't miss the first Coffee and Convo with Marti Wein TOMORROW! Drop by the Starbucks on W. 86th anytime between 9-11 AM.

Can't make it tomorrow? No problem! Marti will host the another Coffee and Convo in September. Keep an eye out for more details!

08/21/2026

Join U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, and Indiana University scholars Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld and Dr. Les Lenkowsky for a timely discussion on the forces shaping today’s campus climate, including the experiences of Jewish students, international funding of anti-Israel activism, and the role of charitable and tax-exempt organizations in advancing political and ideological agendas.

Registration is required: bit.ly/CampusUnderPressure

08/20/2026

Our friends at the JCRC of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation are asking for our help in showing support for South Florida journalist Glenna Milberg and the team at WPLG Local 10 News.

Following a recent interview in which Glenna challenged a congressional candidate on his claims about Israel, she and the station have been flooded with hostile messages and harassment.

The JCRC of Greater Miami has partnered with One Mitzvah A Day to make sure Glenna and the Local 10 team also hear from those who appreciate journalists willing to ask difficult questions and challenge misinformation.

Please take a moment to send a message of support and appreciation:

ActionButton helps people take quick action to create powerful change.

08/19/2026

This morning, Yaniv Shmukler had the honor of attending the 2026 Indiana Latino Expo (ILE) Mayor’s Breakfast alongside Jodi Greenwald, Director of Arts & Education at JCC Indianapolis, at the invitation of ILE Board President Charles Garcia.

We also appreciated the opportunity to speak with Zionsville Mayor John Stehr, who joined mayors from Indianapolis, Delphi, Lawrence, Monticello, and Seymour at the breakfast.

During the breakfast, we were excited to hear the announcement of "Vecinos: A Latino & Jewish Celebration", an upcoming collaborative event sponsored by JCC Indianapolis, the JCRC, Indiana Latino Expo, and Arte Mexicano en Indiana.

"Vecinos" will bring our Latino and Jewish communities together through live music, cultural dance performances, art, food, community speakers, and conversation.

Sunday, October 25
4:00-7:00 PM
Laikin Auditorium, JCC
Performances & community remarks: 4:45-6:30 PM

We’re looking forward to welcoming our communities for an evening of culture and connection. Registration information for "Vecinos" will be coming soon!

08/19/2026

Coffee and Convo is happening next week! Don't forget to stop by and join the conversation on how we can best support our Jewish students.

Registration is not required.