JFN is devastated by the horrific murder of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two young Israeli Embassy staffers who were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. last night. Their lives were taken in an act of antisemitic violence that has shaken our community. Yaron and Sarah were a devoted couple on the verge of engagement. Their commitment to building bridges to and fostering understanding of Israeli life was emblematic of the values we hold dear. This senseless act of hatred is a stark reminder of the rising tide of antisemitism and the urgent need for vigilance, unity, and action. We stand in solidarity with the families of Yaron and Sarah, the staff of the Israeli Embassy, and all who are mourning this profound loss. May their memories be a blessing. (fb)

Join us Tuesday, May 13th at 12:00pm ET for a compelling conversation, open to both JFN members and non-members, with Dr. Keren Fraiman, Dean and Chief Academic Officer at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. Her award-winning research, honored with the 2025 Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award (ERA), offers vital insights into one of the most pressing challenges in Jewish education today. Register here: https://www.jfunders.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1951435&group= Moderated by Rabbi B. Elka Abrahamson, President, The Wexner Foundation. In Barriers to Entry: Exploring Educator Reticence for Engaging with the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Dr. Fraiman sheds light on the complex realities educators face when teaching this sensitive topic. Through a dynamic mix of workshops and interviews with experienced educators, she identifies key barriers—including knowledge gaps, emotional and pedagogical hurdles, and communal pressures—that often stand in the way. In the wake of the October 7 attacks, these challenges have only grown more urgent. Dr. Fraiman’s findings offer actionable strategies to support and empower educators to navigate this critical conversation with confidence, nuance, and sensitivity. Read more about the Barriers to Entry, Dr. Fraiman, and the Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award here: https://www.jfunders.org/news/696729/Barriers-to-Entry-Awarded-the-2025-Ilia-Salita-Excellence-in-Research-Award.htm (fb)