H eadlines
MEMORY CARE
Every Tuesday of the Month
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Michael Balaban 
Courtesy of Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
were antisemitic incidents, to be
sure. But for the most part, Jews
felt safe in their synagogues and
schools. Balaban traced that feeling
back to World War II. The
United States beat the Nazis
and, in the aftermath, did a
great job of clamping down on
antisemitic rhetoric in public
spaces. But the rise of technology
and the internet, for all their
benefits, also offered antisem-
ites a megaphone and a
platform. And then the digital
world started spilling over into
physical reality.

Balaban pointed to the
2017 white supremacist rally
in Charlottesville, Virginia, as
a moment that forced Jews to
confront the new harsh reality.

Antisemitism emerged not just
into physical reality, but onto
Main Street America.

And since that horrific event,
Balaban said, national politi-
cians on both the right and left
have failed to tame antisemitic
extremists in their ranks. Party
leaders continue to allow those
elected leaders to “use Israel as
a wedge to splinter us apart,”
Balaban said.

So online, the problem
continues unabated, he added.

“This is happening every
day with kids who are joining
these white supremacy groups,”
Balaban said.

Balaban credited the JFNA
with focusing on a “paramount”
and “vital” issue because while
he has resources, he also needs
help. So do the hundreds of
other Jewish communities in
North America.

“You don’t want someone
leaving your house to attack
the neighbor next door,” he
said. “By working together as
a national network, we can
combat the rise of hate.”
Both Balaban and Fingerhut
said it’s a shame that the Jewish
community needs to focus so
heavily on security. They also
said it’s sad that Jews can’t just
feel safe in their community
buildings. But the new focus is neces-
sary. And, in the long run,
quality security may make
people feel safe again.

“We’re not just going to sit
back,” Balaban said.

Balaban said he is already
meeting with local donors to
raise enough money to commit
to the JFNA’s matching
program. “We’re moving,” he said. l
jsaffren@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0740
Questions? 251-321-6166
Event to be held at:
Barnes and Noble (in the Starbucks)
210 Commerce Boulevard • Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Join us each month for coffee and conversation specifically
for people with dementia and their caregivers.

What is a Memory Café?
Originally started in England, this informal setting provides the
caregiver a forum for discussion, reducing the isolation often
felt by people with dementia, their caregivers and families.

Discussions can range from practical tips for coping with
dementia, avoiding caregiver burnout or information about
community resources. There is no cost or obligation, and many
attendees develop friendships that result in support even
outside the Memory Café setting.

All attendees will adhere to proper COVID-19 guidelines
including masking, staying socially distant and hand sanitizing.

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