Standing in Support of Jewish Nonprofits, Philanthropists, and Communities

The brazen massacre of Jews publicly celebrating the first night Hanukkah on Australia’s Bondi Beach was a horrifying display of open antisemitism. A father and son publicly murdered 16, injured 25, and terrorized a number too high to count. It is not okay to murder people because of their faith practices or religious identification. And though it has unfortunately become “normalized,” it is not okay for Jewish people to experience fear in their public or private lives because they are Jewish.

These words are simple enough to write. But it took receiving an email from a long-term friend to remind us of our responsibility. We know we stand against antisemitism, but what does that mean if we are silent when a massacre occurs? What does our silence say to our Jewish colleagues working and serving in nonprofits across our country and across the globe? What does it say to Jewish philanthropists? What does it say to our neighbors and our children?

We can have all kinds of excuses. And we did. It was a weekend full of horrific violence with the massacre at Bondi Beach, a killer loose on Brown University’s campus, followed by the murders of Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner in their home. All were horrific events, and we felt numb. Overwhelmed. And in that overwhelm, we were silent. Today, four days later, we are writing this column because our friend reminded us that we cannot be silent.

Here’s what he wrote to us: “Hello, Everyone, I trust that we all are appalled, but not truly surprised, by what happened in Australia. I do not think it far-fetched to think something like this could happen here. Here is the best analogy I have come up with so far. What would be the response in the US and around the world if 15 Black people were killed and 25 seriously wounded while celebrating Juneteenth in Oakland? What excuses would be made? How would the attack be minimized? Below is a link to a discussion of this featuring two Australians. The first 25 minutes is the one that I think is a “must view.”  I would appreciate any thoughts.” Click here to view the discussion.

We listened to the online discussion. And we realized the news we were hearing on TV and radio was primarily about Brown University and the Reiners. Important news. But we didn’t hear a continuous public outcry in response to the massacre of Jews in Australia. Our family members didn’t call us to talk about it, and we didn’t talk about it with friends and work associates. But it is important to say something, and that is why we are writing this column: to remind ourselves to speak and make sure that we don’t minimize antisemitism, let alone antisemitic violence and murder.

We encourage you to speak out as well. This won’t be the last violent attack. And antisemitism will continue to rear its head too regularly in conversations. But we can say something. We can stand and be counted. You don’t have to be Jewish to stand against antisemitism.

© 2025 Mel and Pearl Shaw, authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.”  We provide fundraising counsel to higher education, nonprofits, and philanthropy. Video conferencing always available. Visit www.saadandshaw.com.