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...
Dream Doctors bring humanity in action to Tidewater
Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 pm Sandler Family Campus Israel’s renowned Dream Doctors Project—professional medical clowns who bring healing, dignity, and emotional support to patients and families in hospitals and humanitarian settings around the world – will visit...
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JTA News
Trump administration sues Harvard for allegedly discriminating against Jewish, Israeli students
The administration’s latest salvo against the Ivy League school comes weeks after the Justice Department filed another antisemitism lawsuit against UCLA.
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The post Trump administration sues Harvard for allegedly discriminating against Jewish, Israeli students appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
‘Buffer zones’ come to California, as a lawmaker proposes limiting protests near houses of worship
Backed by a coalition of Jewish groups , the proposal follows similar efforts in New York and Canada.
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The post ‘Buffer zones’ come to California, as a lawmaker proposes limiting protests near houses of worship appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Progressive Jewish group unveils plan to combat hate in NYC — without policing
The plan was announced as security watchdogs recommend coordination with law enforcement and placing armed guards outside Jewish institutions.
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The post Progressive Jewish group unveils plan to combat hate in NYC — without policing appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
The first and second Jewish mayors of Providence, Rhode Island, just had a shared bar mitzvah
In addition Mayor Brett Smiley, former mayor and congressman David Cicilline was also part of the adult bar mitzvah cohort.
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The post The first and second Jewish mayors of Providence, Rhode Island, just had a shared bar mitzvah appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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Latest News
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...
Amy Milligan named a Shine A Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Awardee
The Jewish Education Project, an organization with the mission to inspire and empower educators to create transformative Jewish experiences, last month announced its annual Shine A Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Award recipients—individuals across the United...
Retirement for Beth Dorsk: Her day is her own
A Virginia Beach native, Beth Koonan Dorsk retired as a hospice nurse in 2025. She agreed to share with Jewish News some of her reasons for retiring and how it’s working out. Jewish News: Where were you educated? Beth Koonan Dorsk: Flagler Medical Assistant...
Israel in focus: MAJ. John W. Spencer shared his views on modern conflict
An informative program, Israel in Focus: Hamas’ War – Truth and Consequences, featuring internationally respected scholar and military analyst MAJ. John W. Spencer, USA (Ret.), took place on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Sandler Family Campus. Presented as part of the 15th...
Other News
7 years in prison for praying at the Western Wall? Netanyahu’s coalition is threatening a war on Jewish unity
(JTA) —During the recent Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations’ mission to Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded that Jews around the world stand strong and unified in support of Israel and against antisemitism. “Fight, fight, fight,” he...
Jewish hockey star Jack Hughes’ overtime goal propels US to historic gold medal in Olympic hockey
(JTA) — Jewish hockey star Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal Sunday, Feb. 21 to clinch a gold medal for the U.S. men’s hockey team, its first since 1980. The New Jersey Devils star center, who had scored twice in Team USA’s semifinal win, sent the puck...
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...
What’s Happening
Launch of Lev Sara Bikur Cholim
Sunday, March 8, 6 PM A new initiative dedicated in memory of Shirley Farfel Berman a”h, Lev Sara...
Tidewater BBYO updates website
When Courtney Krutoy took on the role of Eastern Region BBYO City Director - Tidewater last year,...
KBH to kick off creative Shabbat services for families
Saturday, March 21,10:30 am, Sandler Family Campus Members of KBH synagogue are excited to unveil...
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...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Sylvia Bernstein Wagner
Omaha, Nebraska – Sylvia Bernstein Wagner, a pioneering civic leader, accomplished actress, and champion of social progress in Omaha,...
Gilda Weber
Virginia Beach – Gilda Weber, aged 99, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born on June 5, 1926,...
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,...