I was honored to represent the City of Virginia Beach at the 2025 Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, convened by the Combat Antisemitism Movement, December 2 – 4 in New Orleans. The summit brought together local and national elected officials to better understand the growing threats facing Jewish communities, share practical strategies, and strengthen coordinated responses to antisemitism and other forms of hate. Attending was important to me, both as a public servant and as a citizen, neighbor, and human being.
My connection to the Jewish community goes back to childhood. My earliest and longest-standing friendship is with someone who is Jewish, and some of my earliest experiences with faith and tradition came from sitting around his family’s Shabbat table, attending temple from time to time, and being welcomed into moments of celebration and reflection. Over the years, I have built many other friendships with Jewish neighbors and colleagues. I have always admired the way the Jewish community consistently shows up for others, particularly underserved communities, and the long tradition of Jewish leadership in the struggle for civil rights, equality, and justice. I see those values lived out every day across Hampton Roads, including in Virginia Beach.
Our region is fortunate to have strong Jewish institutions whose impact extends far beyond their own faith community. The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, Jewish Family Service, and synagogues provide leadership, services, and support that benefit people throughout the region. Their work strengthens civic life and reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of the entire community.
I experienced that leadership firsthand early in my service on City Council. Following the tragic mass shooting in Virginia Beach on Friday, May 31, 2019, Council Member Abbott and I were tasked by the mayor and city manager with helping to organize a remembrance event for the victims, their families, and the community. My first call was to Robin Mancoll at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Her experience bringing faith communities together made her an essential partner. Early Monday morning, June 3, we gathered in UJFT’s boardroom with faith leaders and community partners who shared a commitment to a common purpose: honoring those we lost, supporting those who were hurting, and helping the city begin to process the tragedy. The resulting event, Virginia Beach Remembers at Rock Church, remains one of the most meaningful moments of my public service. It would not have happened without the leadership, coordination, and compassion of UJFT and the interfaith partnerships that came together in that moment.
As a former president of Hampton Roads Pride, I have also seen the Jewish community’s support in the movement toward LGBTQ equality. That support remains consistent and meaningful, and it continues to make a real difference in advancing dignity and fairness for all.
My interest in this topic is also informed and strengthened through my collaborative relationship with my colleague Council Member Joash Schulman, who is Jewish. Joash and I are friends, and we were long before either of us served in elected office. I have long admired his dedication to public service and to making Virginia Beach a better place to live for all people. Joash, his wife, and family are actively engaged with their synagogue, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the JCC, and many other community organizations. In spite of the fact that Joash and I belong to different political parties and sometimes vote differently, I have never questioned his commitment to our community or the goodness of his character.
I have personally witnessed antisemitic remarks directed at Joash through official email, on social media, in person, and even inside City Council chambers. On multiple occasions, some protesters deliberately targeted him, directing their remarks about the war in Gaza and their opposition to the actions of the government of Israel at Joash personally, in my belief solely because he is Jewish. This conduct was not isolated or incidental. It occurred repeatedly, including in public forums where civil and respectful discourse should be expected. Witnessing this was deeply troubling and clarifying. It strengthened my resolve not only to stand up for my friend, but also to confront antisemitism directly, to deepen my understanding of its causes, and to stand firmly and unequivocally with the Jewish community.
All these experiences, combined with my strong beliefs against hate and discrimination, are why attending the summit mattered to me. Public service carries a responsibility to confront intolerance directly. Forums such as the Mayors Summit reinforce the role local elected representatives play in protecting community safety, promoting understanding, and standing up for the dignity of every resident. The summit offered an opportunity to learn from colleagues across the country while reaffirming a shared responsibility to ensure Virginia Beach remains a place where people are safe, valued, and respected.
The conversations at the summit were candid and, at times, sobering. Antisemitism is rising in the United States and around the world. The threat is persistent and evolving. At the same time, the summit focused on practical action. There was strong emphasis on coordination among civic leadership, law enforcement, emergency management practices, faith organizations, and interfaith partners. Effective preparedness and response require more than operational readiness. They require cultural awareness, respect for religious practices, and trust built well before a crisis occurs. These elements are essential to ensuring dignity, safety, and clarity during any emergency response.
Recent acts of violence and hate, including the attack at Bondi Beach in Australia and incidents here in the United States, underscore the urgency of this work. They also reinforce the importance of strong, preexisting relationships. In Hampton Roads, coordination among community organizations, faith-based and interfaith partners, law enforcement, and public safety agencies provides a strong foundation. These partnerships allow incidents of hate to be reported, addressed, and responded to in ways that prioritize safety while maintaining respect and dignity. Still, complacency is not an option. Hate can surface in universities, neighborhoods, online spaces, or through isolated individuals. Remaining vigilant is essential.
One of the most important takeaways from the summit was a reminder that progress is built through relationships, and Virginia Beach already has a strong foundation. Longstanding partnerships among city leadership, public safety, faith communities, and community organizations continue to support this work. At the same time, the effort requires widening the circle. Combating hate and discrimination is not the responsibility of any one community or institution. It depends on welcoming more voices into these efforts and strengthening connections across cultures, neighborhoods, and lived experiences. I encourage everyone who is interested in this topic to lean in, get to know your elected representatives and city officials, share what matters to you, and help build momentum around a shared commitment to safety, dignity, and mutual respect.
That work must include leaders and residents from Asian, Hispanic, Black, LGBTQ, and other communities, as well as representation from diverse faith traditions, whose experiences and perspectives are essential to shaping effective strategies. Ongoing dialogue, careful listening, and collaboration across communities strengthen the ability to confront hate in all its forms.
As part of this continued commitment, Virginia Beach will ensure Holocaust Remembrance Day is recognized on January 27. This day honors the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers of unchecked hatred, indifference, and dehumanization. Remembering this history reinforces a responsibility to confront hate early and decisively, wherever it appears.
I am grateful to the Combat Antisemitism Movement for convening the summit and for the opportunity to represent Virginia Beach. Continued engagement in this work remains essential. Most importantly, the relationships shared with the Jewish community in Hampton Roads have shaped my life, strengthened the broader community, and continue to inspire a shared commitment to justice, dignity, and compassion.