Virginia Beach City Council honors UJFT’s Jewish Community Relations Council and Holocaust Commission for International Holocaust Remembrance Day
In a strong demonstration of civic partnership and solidarity with the Jewish community, the Virginia Beach City Council issued an official resolution on January 20 proclaiming January 27, 2026 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Virginia Beach....
Engagement stories filled with romance and surprise
When it’s time to propose, the days of going it alone and private are a thing of the past. It used to be that all that was necessary to become engaged was a couple in love and a ring. Family, friends, and photographers to capture the moment, are all part of today’s...
Celebrating a Living Legacy: Honoring Hebrew Ladies Charity Society
The legacy of Hebrew Ladies Charity Society was celebrated during a warm and meaningful afternoon luncheon on Sunday, January 11 at Ohef Sholom Temple. The event honored more than a century of compassion, generosity, and hands-on service. Stephanie Peck, JFS...
How did the most adult book in the Bible turn into a kids holiday?
The story of Purim is decidedly not family-friendly, yet it offers little ones unique access into a holiday where everything is upside-down. (JTA) One of the main advantages for Jewish kids in a Christian world is that — thanks to Purim — they get two “Halloweens.”...
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Far-right mobs have been targeting a pioneering Arab Israeli journalist for encouraging Arab Israelis to vote
Lucy Aharish canceled a planned speaking engagement at Stanford University due to the unrest.
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The post Far-right mobs have been targeting a pioneering Arab Israeli journalist for encouraging Arab Israelis to vote appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
In 2026 California governor’s race, antisemitism emerges as a defining issue
A candidate forum organized by Jewish groups came the same week as three high-profile antisemitism lawsuits against California institutions.
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The post In 2026 California governor’s race, antisemitism emerges as a defining issue appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
A conservative Jewish professor who rejected Hitler comparisons now invokes one — for Tucker Carlson
Jeffrey Lax's about-face adds him to the growing ranks of Jewish conservatives expressing alarm about Carlson and his ally JD Vance.
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The post A conservative Jewish professor who rejected Hitler comparisons now invokes one — for Tucker Carlson appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
JewBelong’s NYC taxi ads against antisemitism (and Mamdani) are taken down
Plus, an Orthodox city government vet is tapped for a key NYPD role.
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The post JewBelong’s NYC taxi ads against antisemitism (and Mamdani) are taken down appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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Latest News
Accommodations for open participation at Sandler Family Campus
Providing accommodations for everyone who visits the Sandler Family Campus is an ongoing commitment for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Simon Family JCC. The campus facilities continue to be at the forefront of making certain all may visit and take...
Legacy conversations begin around the table
The table was already cluttered. Half-empty glasses, a bowl of pasta passed one more time, someone reaching for the last challah crumbs. It wasn’t a planned conversation. No agenda. Just a familiar meal, shared with people who knew one another well enough to speak...
When dialogue unites: One table, three rabbis, and a shared hope.
I experienced one of those moments that reaffirms why sincere dialogue remains one of the most powerful tools we have as a society, on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Around a shared table sat three rabbis—Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberg of Congregation B’nai Israel,...
Midyear matters: BeAR needs more volunteers
Halfway through the school year may not feel like the moment to start something new, but for BeAR, it is one of the most critical times to step in. The Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Project needs additional mentors for Willard Model Elementary (Norfolk) and...
Support for Beth Israel
Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, was set on fire predawn on Saturday, Jan. 10. Thankfully, no congregants or staff were injured, and the building was unoccupied at the time. The synagogue did have a security camera system, a fact which assisted in the...
Showing up matters: Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day returns
Community advocacy strengthens security, combats antisemitism, and builds lasting relationships. Tuesday, Feb. 10, Richmond As the 2026 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly gets underway this month, one message is clear: showing up matters. That’s why...
2025 Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism
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...
German historian to share stories of discoveries with local connection
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 7 pm, Sandler Family Campus For International Holocaust Remembrance Day, German historian Thomas Kemper will visit Tidewater to speak about his discoveries while investigating the history and fate of the Gonsenhauser and Bachenheimer families during...
Other News
Investing in futures: JELF helps local students afford college –interest free
Applications for the 2026-2027 Academic Year accepted through April 30 In 2025, JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund) loaned $2.3 million in 0% interest loans to almost 500 students, allowing Jewish students to pursue higher education without the burden of...
Erica Ausch celebrates her 90th with family and friends
Family and friends gathered on a Saturday evening in January to celebrate an extraordinary milestone as Erica Reisner Ausch turned 90 years young. Her daughters – Jodie Woodward, Linda Ausch, and Bonnie Laibstain — brought together those who know her best and love her...
Hannah Yasemsky joins UJFT in newly formed position
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater recently established the position of NextGen Engagement coordinator, a re-imagined role designed to strengthen connection and community among Jewish young adults in Tidewater. Hannah Yasemsky is the first person to assume the...
Bruce Waldholtz to receive a VCIC Tidewater Humanitarian Award
Thursday, March 26, Westin Virginia Beach Town Center The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities will hold its 62nd annual Tidewater Humanitarian Awards event this month. These awards honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to...
What’s Happening
Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse to screen at Chrysler
Sunday, March 15, 2 pm, Chrysler Museum of Art Few works have transformed Holocaust storytelling...
Books to share, stories to love
Monday, May 4 – Friday, May 8, Sandler Family Campus A PJ Library book swap families won’t want to...
Camp JCC presents Kids Night Out: Ultimate Bracket Bash
Saturday, March 21 5 - 9 pm, Sandler Family Campus Get ready to hit the court and experience the...
Registration now open for Spring Break Camp
April 6 - 10, 9 am – 4 pm Sandler Family Campus When school is out, Camp JCC is in. Children...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Howard J. Bernstein
Galloway, N.J. – Howard J. Bernstein, 93, passed away on January 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, Ida...
Robert Buckman
Virginia Beach – Robert “Bob” Buckman, passed away peacefully at his home on January 13, 2026. Bob was a loving husband, father,...
Barbara Carlson
Chesapeake – Barbara Carlson, a remarkable soul who dedicated her life to the pursuit of truth and beauty, passed away peacefully on the morning of...
Thelma Laderberg
Norfolk –Thelma Laderberg passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Harbor’s Edge in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 100. She...