A webinar with leaders from the Secure Community Network (SCN), an initiative of JFN member organization Jewish Federations of North America, for a briefing on the state of security in North American Jewish communities.

All weekend as I watched the news, I wondered again what I’ve wondered before: why isn’t pain a zero sum game? Why can’t we spread the sadness thin by sharing it, until it almost disappears? Why is it rather that even though we all share the grief, it doesn’t diminish?

Looking at the pictures from Pittsburgh, I wished that the sorrow I felt could ease the unspeakable burden of grief faced by the families and loved ones directly touched. I wish I could take upon myself some of the pain that congregation Tree of Life / Or L’Simcha, and the broader community of Squirrel Hill, faces. But their pain doesn’t diminish, and mine grows. The heartache expands, seemingly inextinguishable. As Jeremiah proclaimed, “Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! Then would I weep day and night for the slain of my people.”

Intense, lifelong friendships that transcend social and cultural barriers are an Argentinian specialty, like tango, recurrent currency crises, and artery-clogging steaks.

Jewish Funders Network deplores the horrendous attack perpetrated against a holiday crowd in Nice.

JFN stands in solidarity with the victims of the brutal terrorist attack in Orlando, with their loved ones, and with victims of hate crimes and terror everywhere. We strongly condemn all anti-LGBT hatred, whether among Islamic extremists, among our own communities, or anywhere else. We resolve to work toward a world in which all people have peace, security, and freedom.

We are outraged at the continuous campaign of murder being inflicted upon Israelis.

JFN exprime sa solidarité et son soutien au peuple français dans ces moments tragiques. Nos pensées et nos prières sont avec les victimes et avec nos partenaires et amis à Paris. Les valeurs que la France a offert au monde s'imposeront face à cet attentat lâche et sanglant. Liberté, égalité et fraternité!