We are making our way to a new reality, one in which things go up and down, heaven or hell.

tell me of the jewish american security act Thought for 4s The Jewish American Security Act is a comprehensive, bipartisan bill introduced on May 19, 2026, by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK). They co-chair the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. lankford.senate.gov PurposeIt aims to address the surge in antisemitism through coordinated federal action on physical security, campus protections, and online accountability. It responds to high incident levels (e.g., ADL's 2025 audit: 6,274 incidents, 203 assaults, and three murders). adl.org Key ProvisionsSecurity Funding for Communities:Authorizes up to $1 billion annually for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which funds security enhancements (cameras, barriers, training, etc.) at synagogues, Jewish schools, community centers, and other at-risk nonprofits. adl.org Authorizes Department of Justice grants to state/local law enforcement for protective patrols and training around religious institutions. Campus and Student Protections (Title VI):Requires the Department of Education to create a dedicated Antisemitism Coordinator. Mandates annual trainings for schools, public awareness campaigns on student rights, and "Dear Colleague" letters on Title VI obligations. Establishes an online Clearinghouse for best practices. Strengthens enforcement against discrimination in education. lankford.senate.gov Online Accountability:Requires large social media platforms (50+ million monthly U.S. users) to submit biannual transparency reports to the FTC on their handling of antisemitic content. Calls for an annual Congressional report on links between online hate and real-world violence, with policy recommendations. adl.org The bill deliberately avoids mandating the IHRA definition of antisemitism (a point that stalled prior legislation like the Antisemitism Awareness Act) to maximize bipartisan support. facebook.com SupportIt has broad backing from nearly all major Jewish organizations across denominations and the political spectrum, including:ADL AJC Jewish Federations of North America Orthodox Union Conference of Presidents Secure Community Network Hadassah Reform and Conservative groups, among others. lankford.senate.gov Similar legislation is expected in the House. As of its introduction date (today), it is in the early stages—referred to committees—with its path forward depending on Congressional priorities. jewishinsider.com This bill builds on earlier efforts (security grants, campus protections) but packages them into a more ambitious, multi-front response. Proponents see it as a practical, security-focused measure; critics may raise concerns about implementation costs, government overreach, or impacts on free speech/online moderation.

When the world gets you down, don't just pout and frown, do a little dance and smile, the trees are there and the sky is blue, it's very interesting, and so are you.

Life and portraiture are, in some way, remarkably alike. Both are acts of accepting things that don't go as planned, while still wishing to "preserve this moment." In life, there are hardly ever any perfect moments. There is hesitation, contradiction, and incompleteness. Portraiture is the same: if it's just neatly arranged and beautiful, for some reason, it doesn't linger in the heart. A slightly crooked smile. A fleeting moment of averted gaze. A silence that words can't capture. It is in such "imperfections" that the time and emotions a person has lived seep through. That's why I think portraiture isn't just about recording youth or beauty, but about trying to capture "how that person is living." And for the one taking the photo, too, their view of life appears directly in the image. Those who want to dominate others take photos that feel somehow stifling. Those who want to understand others take photos in which the subject can breathe easy. Those who know loneliness try to capture the emotions within the silence. In other words, portraiture may be a world where, even before the camera's capabilities, "how one faces and lives with people" is what gets reflected. The more carefully one gazes at life, the more one can notice people's small emotions. The more one has experienced being hurt, the more one can see someone's vulnerability as beautiful. That's why living life fully and taking deep portraits are surely connected. I think taking a photo of a person isn't just capturing their face, but quietly affirming "you exist here."

We can't end antisemitism, but we will do our damn best to deal with it!

In friendlier places like South Florida or certain Midwestern communities, the "vibe" feels better because local culture, community density, and lower concentrations of these extremists reduce daily encounters. But the dedicated ones can strike anywhere. The trouble, as you noted, is their fanaticism — which doesn't respond easily to policy wins or general goodwill. Most people want to live peacefully; the extremists reject that premise.

What about where Jews feel accepted and the people are friendly and helpful ect Thought for 7s Jewish organizations and community members often highlight places with strong, tight-knit Jewish communities, visible pride in Jewish identity, and generally warm local interactions as feeling more accepting — even amid national challenges. blogs.timesofisrael.com No place is immune to antisemitism, and national surveys (e.g., AJC 2025) show broad anxiety, but certain areas stand out for friendliness, helpfulness, and a sense of belonging.South Florida (Especially Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach)Frequently praised as one of the strongest spots in the US for openly expressing Jewish identity and Zionism without much backlash. blogs.timesofisrael.com Large, growing, and younger Jewish population with vibrant infrastructure (synagogues, kosher options, JCCs, schools). Locals and transplants note a welcoming atmosphere, strong community support, and Southern hospitality vibe that feels friendly and helpful. Many describe it as one of the best places outside Israel to be proudly Jewish. blogs.timesofisrael.com Incidents occur (as in most places with sizable populations), but the density and confidence of the community contribute to higher feelings of acceptance. Midwest CommunitiesSmaller to mid-sized communities (e.g., Kansas City, Cleveland/Beachwood OH, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Chicago suburbs) often get high marks for being warm, tight-knit, and genuinely welcoming. heyalma.com People describe Midwestern friendliness: neighbors who are helpful, lower day-to-day tension in some areas, and communities where Jews are known and integrated rather than isolated. In smaller settings, there's often a stronger sense of "everyone knows everyone" and mutual support, which can feel more accepting than large coastal metros. facebook.com Other Notable MentionsCherry Hill, NJ and parts of the Northeast corridor: Strong infrastructure and established communities, though higher raw incident numbers due to population density. Emerging or growing spots: Dallas-Fort Worth (TX), Phoenix/Scottsdale (AZ), Raleigh (NC), and parts of the South/Southwest — noted for affordability, family-friendliness, and less hostility in daily life for some. reddit.com Smaller communities in the South or Midwest can feel particularly supportive because residents actively build and maintain Jewish life. Important ContextLarge population centers (NYC, LA, etc.) have excellent resources but also higher visibility and more reported incidents. adl.org Per capita incidents and personal experiences vary; Southern and Midwestern states sometimes show lower rates of direct harm in some surveys. adl.org Factors that boost feelings of acceptance: Strong local Jewish institutions, good interfaith relations, law enforcement partnerships, and general community temperament (e.g., Southern or Midwestern politeness). Individual experiences differ based on observance level (Orthodox communities often have their own bubbles of support), neighborhood, politics, and recent events. Many Jews emphasize building personal networks, using community security resources, and finding places where local culture aligns with "friendly and helpful" values. For the latest community studies, check Jewish Federations or local JCCs in target areas.

Bipartisan Senate bill would bring security grants for houses of worship up to $1 billion, expand Jew-hatred response The new measure “addresses all of these forms of hate in one comprehensive bill and serves to be enacted by Congress as soon as possible,” stated Rabbi A.D. Motzen, of Agudah. May 19, 2026 Mike Wagenheim Republish Email CopyLink copied Print Jacky Rosen Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) speaks a a Jewish Federations of North America press conference in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing room in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, May 19, 2026. Photo by Andrew Bernard. ( May 19, 2026 / JNS ) Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.), co-chairs of the Senate task force on fighting Jew-hatred, introduced the Jewish American Security Act, which would increase security funding for houses of worship, on Tuesday. If passed, the bill would raise Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding to $1 billion amid growing security needs, in the wake of violent, antisemitic acts across the country, which have left some communities vulnerable, including at Jewish community centers, day schools and nonprofits. All religious institutions are eligible for the funding. “Jewish Americans are being targeted, attacked and killed simply because of who they are,” Rosen stated. “This alarming trend demands a comprehensive, bipartisan approach that addresses both the seeds and the impacts of this vile hatred.” “From social media to college campuses, we’ve seen how this bigotry manifests into real-world violence against Jews,” she added. “That’s why we must take concrete steps to understand the extent of antisemitism, both online and offline, and ensure that Jewish communities have access to robust security resources and government protections.” Lankford lamented that U.S. Jews “have faced an unprecedented surge in antisemitism—Jewish students targeted on campuses, synagogues vandalized, people attacked in the streets simply for their faith.” “That is not who we are as a nation,” he stated. “We unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all its forms. Every American deserves to live their faith freely, and that is worth fighting for.” Dan Goldman Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) speaks a a Jewish Federations of North America press conference in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing room in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, May 19, 2026. Photo by Andrew Bernard. The Anti-Defamation League stated that the legislation comes at a pivotal time, with its data showing a record-high 203 antisemitic assaults against American Jews last year. More than 30 of those incidents involved a deadly weapon, and three people were killed. Antisemitic incidents were recorded at a daily rate of 17, more than twice the average between 2020 and 2022. College campus Jew-hatred dropped slightly from 2024 but remained above historical trends. Nathan Diament, executive director of the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, stated that the OU “strongly supports the Jewish American Security Act.” “The unprecedented wave of antisemitism demands an unprecedented response by our government, including $1 billion for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program that helps religious nonprofits protect their communal buildings,” he said. The new bill would require every regional civil rights office at the U.S. Education Department to provide five years of annual anti-discrimination training to federally funded recipients. It would also be called upon to launch a public awareness campaign explaining students’ rights and schools’ responsibilities under federal non-discrimination law, in Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. It would also create a dedicated Jew-hatred coordinator at the Education Department and other proactive measures for addressing antisemitism in K-12 schools. The legislation authorizes the U.S. Justice Department to award grants to state and local law enforcement for increased protective patrols of religious institutions and for security training. Social media platforms with at least 50 million active monthly U.S. users would be required to publish public, biannual transparency reports to the Federal Trade Commission, detailing their moderation practices and approaches to antisemitic content. An annual congressional report promoting policy recommendations and identifying trends on the connection between online Jew-hatred and real-world violence would also be mandated. Members and officials from synagogues affected by terror attacks attended a press conference with Rosen to introduce the bill. Among them were Jen Lader, senior rabbi at Temple Israel of West Bloomfield, Mich., which was attacked by a Hezbollah-inspired terrorist in March. Zach Shemper, president of the Beth Israel Congregation of Jackson, Miss., which was set on fire in an attack in January, also attended. Agudath Israel of America, which represents Charedim, among the most visible Jews and therefore the most targeted, endorsed the bill. “Jewish Americans face antisemitism wherever they turn: at school, at synagogue and even at home, thanks to the cesspool of unabashed antisemitism that is growing exponentially online,” stated Rabbi A.D. Motzen, national Agudah director of government affairs. The new measure “addresses all of these forms of hate in one comprehensive bill and serves to be enacted by Congress as soon as possible,” he stated. Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, endorsed the legislation. “We are at an inflection point. Surging antisemitism is not just a threat to the Jewish community,” he stated. “It is a crisis for our democracy and the values we cherish as Americans: pluralism, religious freedom and the promise of equal protection.” Reps. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.) are expected to introduce companion legislation in the House. Email CopyLink copied

Rosen, Lankford Introduce Comprehensive Bipartisan Bill to Fight Antisemitism May 19, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK), co-founders and co-chairs of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, introduced a comprehensive bill to strengthen federal efforts to fight antisemitism – including in U.S. academic settings, at Jewish communal institutions, and online. The bipartisan Jewish American Security Act would require the Department of Education to develop and implement a comprehensive Title VI framework to combat antisemitism on college campuses, make a historic $1 billion investment in security resources for at-risk houses of worship and other non-profit institutions, and hold large social media platforms accountable by requiring transparency regarding their handling of antisemitic content online. This legislation is supported by the American Jewish Committee, ADL, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (“Orthodox Union”), Jewish Federations of North America, Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, Secure Community Network, The Rabbinical Assembly, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Jewish Women International, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, JCC Association of North America, the Nexus Project, Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and Agudath Israel of America. “Our nation is facing an epidemic of antisemitism – year after year we are seeing unprecedented levels of antisemitic violence and harassment. Jewish Americans are being targeted, attacked, and killed simply because of who they are. This alarming trend demands a comprehensive, bipartisan approach that addresses both the seeds and the impacts of this vile hatred,” said Senator Rosen. “From social media to college campuses, we’ve seen how this bigotry manifests into real-world violence against Jews. That’s why we must take concrete steps to understand the extent of antisemitism – both online and offline – and ensure that Jewish communities have access to robust security resources and government protections. I’m proud to introduce the Jewish American Security Act with Senator Lankford to strengthen efforts to fight antisemitism at the federal level and keep Jewish Americans safe.” “Since October 7th, Jews in America have faced an unprecedented surge in antisemitism. These are not just numbers, these are real stories impacting real people. Jewish students being targeted on campuses. Synagogues being vandalized. People being attacked in the streets simply because of their faith and heritage. That is not who we are as a nation, and we unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all its forms. Every American deserves to live their faith freely. That is worth fighting for,” said Senator Lankford. A summary of all parts of this bipartisan bill can be found HERE. Full text of this bipartisan bill can be found HERE. Below are the statements from organizations endorsing this legislation: “The data is unambiguous: Jewish Americans are under threat in their communities, on their campuses and online, and the federal government must act,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of ADL. “ADL’s Audit of Antisemitic Incidents recorded 6,274 incidents in 2025 alone, including 203 physical assaults, the most we have ever recorded, and three murders. The Jewish American Security Act meets this moment with the seriousness it demands. By strengthening the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, bolstering protections for Jewish students, and increasing accountability for online platforms, this bill equips law enforcement, educators, and communities with the tools they need to respond. We commend Senators Rosen and Lankford, for their bipartisan commitment to combating antisemitism and standing up for Jewish Americans, and we urge Congress to pass this legislation without delay.” “No American should need a security perimeter to pray. No American should be afraid to leave their home or visit a cultural center of their choosing. Yet, that is exactly what Jews in this country are experiencing every day,” said American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch. “We are at an inflection point. Surging antisemitism is not just a threat to the Jewish community; it is a crisis for our democracy and the values we cherish as Americans – pluralism, religious freedom, and the promise of equal protection. We thank Senators Rosen and Lankford for their leadership and demonstrating that confronting this hatred is not a political issue, but a moral obligation.” “Jewish communities across the United States are facing a real and growing security crisis, and the federal government has a responsibility to ensure that all Americans can gather, worship, and live openly and safely as who they are. Jewish Federations of North America and the communities we represent are deeply grateful to Senators Rosen and Lankford for co-leading and introducing this landmark security package at a moment when threats, fear, and violence have become part of daily life for far too many Jewish families and institutions,” said Hon. Eric D. Fingerhut, President and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America. “This legislation represents one of the strongest congressional responses we have seen to the alarming rise in antisemitism and targeted violence against the Jewish community. It sends a clear and unmistakable message: protecting Jewish Americans is not optional — it is an urgent national priority. We are proud to support this effort and urge Congress to act swiftly, because no American should have to live in fear simply for being Jewish.” “The Secure Community Network proudly supports the Jewish American Security Act and is grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Senators Rosen and Lankford in advancing this critical legislation. In recent weeks alone, we have seen targeted attacks on Jewish schools, children, and synagogues, and the arrest of an individual directing violence against Jewish communities from abroad. These are not isolated incidents. They reflect a coordinated and escalating threat environment that demands a sustained federal response,” said Michael Masters, National Director & CEO of Secure Community Network (SCN). “This bill reflects long-standing priorities SCN has raised through expert testimony and engagement with policymakers and law enforcement partners. It meets the urgency of this moment by strengthening information sharing, assessing emerging threats, and breaking down silos. We are grateful for the bipartisan effort that brought this forward. It is a matter of safety, security, and the enduring promise of a nation where faith-based life can flourish without fear.” “The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America strongly supports the Jewish American Security Act (“JASA”). Sadly, the American Jewish community is facing an unprecedented wave of antisemitism and that demands an unprecedented response by our government. The JASA is part of such a response and Congress ought to pass it as soon as possible. It will authorize essential funding for NSGP grants to Jewish synagogues and schools, direct the Justice Department to allocate funds to local police to better protect our communities and provide long-overdue, but sensible, protections for Jewish students on college campuses by demanding that their rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act are protected as much as the rights of other students,” said Nathan Diament, Executive Director of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. “We thank Senators Lankford and Rosen for their leadership and partnership on this legislation and look forward to working with them and other allies to have it enacted into law.” “Antisemitism has reached crisis proportions in the US, demanding a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” said Carol Ann Schwartz, National President of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America. “Hadassah is proud to support the Jewish American Security Act, critical legislation that would fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, strengthen civil rights protections for Jewish students and study the correlation between online antisemitism and violence against Jews. We thank Senators Rosen and Lankford for their bipartisan leadership and urge Congress to act swiftly to safeguard Jewish communities across the country.” “Jewish Americans face antisemitism wherever they turn: at school, at synagogue and even at home thanks to the cesspool of unabashed antisemitism that is growing exponentially online,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel of America’s National Director of Government Affairs. “The bipartisan Jewish American Security Act addresses all of these forms of hate in one comprehensive bill and deserves to be enacted by Congress as soon as possible. “At a moment of rising, increasingly-violent antisemitism, it’s vital that we invest in whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches that will keep Jewish and all communities safe. The Jewish American Security Act takes important steps forward, like strengthening the Education Department, supporting equal and unbiased Title VI enforcement, helping protect Nonprofit Security Grants from political interference, countering online extremism and hate, and recognizing the inextricable link between Jewish safety and our democracy,” said Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. “Make no mistake: there is no truly inclusive, pluralistic democracy unless antisemitism is addressed and Jews are safe. So too does Jewish safety require protecting the democratic norms and values that have long protected us — and we will continue to reject the false choice we’re too often offered between countering antisemitism and protecting our democracy and our rights.” “Jewish Women International applauds Senators Rosen and Lankford for introducing the Jewish American Security Act, which addresses the growing antisemitic violence, vandalism and threats American Jewish communities have faced over the last few years,” said Meredith Jacobs, CEO of Jewish Women International. “While no one should have to fear being targeted because they’re Jewish, as JWI, we are particularly aware of how young, Jewish women are experiencing this moment and the threats they feel both in person and online. This bill would strengthen protections in schools, expand security support for communal institutions and require greater transparency around antisemitism on major online platforms. We’re proud to endorse it.” “We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership behind the ‘Jewish American Security Act,’ a serious and necessary response to the rise in antisemitism,” said William C. Daroff, CEO of Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. “We commend Senators Rosen and Lankford for advancing this comprehensive legislation that strengthens protections for Jewish students, secures synagogues and communal institutions, and addresses the spread of antisemitism online. This legislation meets the moment. Congress should move it forward without delay.” “College campuses are one of the last remaining places where young adults of different backgrounds and belief systems can engage face-to-face to break down walls and bridge divides,” said Adam Katz, President of the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. “At the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, we’ve leveraged this opportunity and taken our work to campuses across the country, standing up programming to foster healthy, respectful dialogue, and to ultimately engage students in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate. We are proud to support the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act, which will provide the resources and infrastructure required to protect Jewish students and to turn the tide on rising antisemitism. Defeating hate requires partnership and investment from both the public and private sectors. This legislation represents an incredible step forward in the fight to defeat hate and brings us closer to our shared goal of creating welcoming campus communities where all students can unlock their full potential.” “At this perilous moment of violent antisemitism experienced by congregants, clergy, and congregations in our own Reform Jewish community and beyond, the need for meaningful steps to bolster security and the fight against hate is vital. The Jewish American Security Act strengthens the government tools and funding that will be available to help us meet this moment and uphold the American commitment to religious freedom,” said Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. As the first former synagogue president and one of only four Jewish women to ever serve in the U.S. Senate, Senator Rosen has been a leader in combating antisemitism and protecting Jewish American communities. In her first term in the Senate, she co-founded the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism with Senator Lankford. The task force has grown to include more than half of the Senate, and it successfully pushed for the development of the first-ever national strategy to combat antisemitism. Senator Rosen also successfully urged the Department of Education to issue guidance to schools and colleges, reminding them of their legal responsibility to protect students from discrimination or face consequences. Last year, she successfully pushed the Coast Guard to reverse course on a policy change that would have downgraded the classification of swastikas from hate symbols to “potentially divisive,” and introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Lankford to strengthen Holocaust education at public schools and increase awareness of Holocaust educational resources available to local communities.

A vital new effort to protect Jewish communities is taking shape in Congress. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK) have introduced the Jewish American Security Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at deploying significant federal weight to counter rising antisemitism. The legislation focuses on three critical priorities: - Campus Safety: Mandating a comprehensive U.S. Education Department framework to combat antisemitism on college campuses. - Physical Security: Investing $1 billion in federal security resources for at-risk houses of worship and non-profits. - Digital Accountability: Requiring social media platforms to be transparent about how they handle antisemitic content. We welcome this crucial focus on combatting antisemitism, protecting students, and ensuring a safer future.

The Jewish American Security Act, introduced on May 19, 2026, by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK), is a bipartisan bill designed to combat the rising tide of antisemitism in the United States through a coordinated federal response.The legislation focuses on securing Jewish institutions, addressing online hate, and protecting students, with key provisions including:Nonprofit Security Grants: The bill aims to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to $1 billion to provide security resources for at-risk houses of worship, schools, and community centers.Combating Online Antisemitism: It requires major social media platforms (over 50 million monthly active U.S. users) to submit biannual transparency reports to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding how they handle antisemitic content.Campus Safety: The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Education to create a comprehensive federal framework for tackling antisemitism on college campuses and in schools.Targeted Action: It mandates an annual report to Congress analyzing the links between online antisemitism and physical violence, providing recommendations to improve safety.