Cincinnati, OH — The Cincinnati office of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) has made a significant decision regarding its annual Thanksgiving Diversity Lunch, opting not to host the event this year. This decision is rooted in the evolving nature of AJC’s priorities and a newfound interest in hosting annual fall events and collaborative programs that align with global affairs, diplomacy, or relevant issues of concern to AJC and its intergroup partners.
For many years, AJC’s Thanksgiving Diversity Lunch has been a staple in Cincinnati, bringing together a diverse group of individuals from different faiths and backgrounds to celebrate unity, diversity, and gratitude. The successful event, formerly hosted by then AJC Directors Cathy Heldman and Barbara Glueck, has been a meaningful expression of AJC’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.
In place of the Thanksgiving Diversity Lunch, AJC Cincinnati is excited to invite the region’s interfaith leaders and friends of AJC to attend its annual Community Intergroup Seder, to be held during lunch hours on April 16, 2024. This event seeks to intersect the story of Passover with the greater Cincinnati community, emphasizing the universal themes of freedom, liberation, and unity that are at the heart of the Passover narrative.
While the Thanksgiving Diversity Lunch has been a cherished tradition, the decision to pause the event reflects AJC Cincinnati’s commitment to adapt and meet the evolving needs of the community and the world. By focusing on initiatives and programs that navigate global affairs, diplomacy, and relevant issues, AJC hopes to continue making a meaningful difference in the pursuit of a more just, equitable, and peaceful world.
On that same note, AJC, in partnership with the Cincinnati JCRC and sponsored by the Jewish Federation, is proud to be launching the Cincinnati Abraham Accords Collective (CAAC). The CAAC is a first-of-its-kind initiative that aims to establish lasting connections between emerging business and civic leaders in Cincinnati and the Middle East North African (MENA) region, with a focus on economic integration and leveraging U.S. innovation in support of the Abraham Accords goals. In Spring 2024, the selected in-person delegation with leaders from Cincinnati and the MENA region working in fields like health, clean energy, and food and water security, will gather in Cincinnati. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to collaborate, network, and deepen engagement while positioning Cincinnati as a model for global exchange, promoting international cooperation and more. All costs for Cincinnati participants will be covered, and the program will include strategic workshops, meetings with local leaders, and community events. To participate, individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to learn more and apply. Please contact Justin Kirschner, Regional Director of AJC Cincinnati, for more information.