The Confronting Hate Together exhibit, hosted by the Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Jewish Historical Society, drew over 600 attendees to Temple de Hirsch Sinai in Seattle on September 19 for an in-depth exploration of antisemitism. Originally planned as a partnership with the Wing Luke Museum and the Black Heritage Society, the event was held independently after the museum withdrew its participation. Despite the venue change, the exhibit provided an important platform for the community to reflect on the history of antisemitism and engage in meaningful discussions on combating hate more broadly.
The exhibit featured historical displays and small group discussions, moderated by JCRC facilitators, that encouraged attendees to share personal experiences and explore actionable steps to address rising antisemitism. One of the highlights was the participation of Kiyomi Kowalski, VP of Partnerships at Project Shema, who urged attendees to approach difficult conversations with empathy and focus on shared experiences.
Understanding a new approach to addressing antisemitism was needed, the Federation’s JCRC began a partnership with Project Shema several years ago to bring training on antisemitism to Jewish and non-Jewish leaders.
Kowalski’s message resonated deeply with the audience, as she reflected on her own journey, saying, “Our job is to help people see themselves reflected in our shared experiences.” She emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontational tactics, sharing how she had learned through experience that calling people out rarely fosters understanding. “As a former marine, nonviolent communication was not my go-to,” she remarked, “but I’ve realized that labeling people doesn’t work. The real work happens when we approach others with respect.”
The evening culminated in a powerful moment led by Mimi Rosen, the Board Chair for the Washington State Jewish Historical Society, who asked attendees to stand if they had supported the Jewish community, committed to taking action or found strength through the evening’s discussions. By the end, the entire room was standing, symbolizing the community’s unified stand against hate and their dedication to combating antisemitism together.
In addition to the program, the exhibit provided a space for attendees to learn from historical documents and narratives that detailed the long-standing impact of antisemitism on the Pacific Northwest’s Jewish community.. These displays helped participants connect the past with the present, reinforcing the urgency of taking concrete steps to counter rising hate today.
The event’s success was a testament to the resilience of Seattle’s Jewish community, which adapted quickly to the unexpected challenges posed by the Wing Luke Museum’s withdrawal. Max Patashnik, Director of the JCRC, expressed her gratitude to the community for its overwhelming support. “This evening reminded us that even in the face of adversity, our community stands strong,” she said. “One attendee told me, ‘Before tonight, I felt scared and defensive, but now I feel a renewed sense of hope and possibility for future partnerships with non-Jewish communities.’”
As the event concluded, many attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose. The JCRC, in partnership with the Jewish Historical Society, made it clear that the fight against hate will continue, and that future events will build on the momentum of Confronting Hate Together. This exhibit demonstrated that even in the face of challenges, the Seattle Jewish community remains steadfast in its commitment to combating antisemitism and building bridges across communities.
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