September 22, 2025
Ohio Jewish Communities
The statewide government advocacy, public affairs, & community relations voice of Ohio's eight Jewish federations.
ISRAEL AT WAR
Israel’s air defense enters the science fiction realm, with the laser Iron Beam nearing deployment.
Tony Blair releases a proposal for ending the war in Gaza and what the “day after” look like without Hamas.
Secretary Rubio is in Israel as the Gaza City offensive intensifies. While in Israel, he inaugurates a new archeological find in the City of David.
A look at why it’s in the US interest to let Israel strike at Qatar.
An Israeli security official says the Gaza City evacuations could prove to be what breaks Hamas; in related news tribal clans are arming themselves and opposing Hamas.
Israel seizes $1.5 million in cryptocurrency tied to Iran.
And, 90 percent of Gaza envelope residents are back in their homes; 2,500 new residents joined them.
ON CAPITOL SQUARE
In the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination, several bills are introduced, one that would increase penalties for politically motivated violence, and another allowing legislators and judges with concealed carry permits the ability to carry in the statehouse and the courthouse.
An Ohio auction house halts the sale of looted Holocaust artwork.
The ACLU sues Ohio state over its punishment of a pro-Hamas student. (Meanwhile OSU and Columbus State launch Buckeye Bridge, a tuition free option.)
Governor DeWine announces Ohio has become the AARP’s latest “age friendly” state; the Governor also looks to other end of the age spectrum and pushes university trustees to focus more on recruitment and post graduate retention of college students.
AG Yost seeks the removal of the Miami Township fiscal officer following “clear and convincing evidence” by the State Auditor of illegal actions.
Secretary LaRose refers 78 noncitizen voter cases for potential prosecution.
A Franklin County judge blocks a new law intended to reassert control over the State Teachers Retirement System.
Rep. Young proposes a comprehensive database of every public dollar raised and spent in Ohio.
House Democrats choose Ashley Bryant Bailey to succeed Sedrick Denson.
ODOT reverses course and approves the new Browns stadium near Hopkins; in related news Hopkins rises in the rankings of midsized airports.
Legislators look to remove medical debt from credit scores.
New hope arises for Intel’s Ohio fabs as Nvidia invests $5 billion in the former rival.
Columbus Fury looks for a $1 million boost from the county and city.
And, Ohio and Indiana make the list of states with cities crossing borders.
ON CAPITOL HILL AND AROUND THE COUNTRY
Three police officers are shot in York, PA.
Jewish social workers warn of terrible changes to the field impacting Jews in the field and those who are clients and patients. In related news, healthcare is becoming the latest front in the wars against Jews. (On the positive side, a look at how college athletes can move the needle to dial down Jew-hatred.)
President Trump becomes the first US president to get two state visits to the UK, as he’s hosted by the King and Prince of Wales at Windsor and then meets the PM at Chequers.
Rep. Zach Nunn pushes for a DIU post in Israel.
Sen. Moreno says it’s not right to use Nazi comparisons in public debate.
Sen. Husted criticizes CDC’s “politics over science” pandemic response.
Rep. Max Miller wants the National Guard in Cleveland.
Erika Kirk takes the helm at Turning Point USA.
NIH announces a record breaking $10 million grant to Tikvah.
And, former OJC intern Austin Albanese writes up the interfaith partnership that set Boise’s Jewish community up for growth.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Jim Tressel says he’s not running for governor.
But John Kulewicz joins the Democratic primary for AG.
A federal appellate court says Ohio can ban green card holders and foreign nationals from donating to statewide ballot issues.
Some Ohio unions are splitting their endorsements between Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the gubernatorial and Sherrod Brown in the senate race.
New York’s Jewish community considers what will be with a Mamdani mayoralty; Ron Lauder sinks $750,000 into a pro-Cuomo PAC. (And, Brad Lander, looking to become Mamdani’s Jewish liaison perhaps, pushes for a coalition of liberal Zionists with anti-Zionists.)
Gen Z GOPers look to build out in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
And, AOC teases a run for president.
THE JEWISH WORLD
Amit Segal says the UAE’s annexation warning is real.
A look at the Abraham Accords five years on.
Three quarters of Jewish college students worldwide hide their identity. At least three Halifax Jewish organizations are targeted with anti-Jewish vandalism.
Two Israeli soldiers overseeing humanitarian aid are stabbed to death by a Jordanian terrorist at the Allenby crossing.
Uber invests in an Israeli drone company focusing on deliveries beyond line of sight. (And, Uber gets Ministry approval for the ride sharing app to enter the Israeli market.)
Israel counts $82 billion in cybersecurity exits.
Spain and the Philippines pull out of defense deals with Israel.
China thinks there’s an express route to Europe - through the Arctic.
And, prayers for Charlie Kirk even reached the Temple Mount.
IN THE MEDIA
ADL, Conference of Presidents, Hillel, and JFNA urge universities to refocus on making campuses safe.
The ADL has a new report on a white supremacist forum inspiring school shooters.
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS OF THE WEEK
WORTH A READ
Scientists examine alcohol consumption in chimpanzees. Palantir’s CEO says Jews need to get uncomfortable to build more alliances. And, Karl Rove says “they” didn’t kill Charlie Kirk, but “he” did - a reminder of personal responsibility and life choices.