By Joy Rothenberg, Esq.
Current Events Columnist
The sounds of spirited training and heartfelt gratitude filled the social hall of Congregation Etz Chaim on Sunday, February 22, as approximately 200 community members gathered for a unique event blending physical empowerment with a tribute to those on the front lines of Israel’s security when Jewish and humane people around the world faced the worst horror to the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
On October 7, Hamas-led militias launched surprise large scale attacks on Israel, resulting in the deadliest day to the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Over 1,200 people were killed and 251 hostages were taken into Gaza. Over 40 Americans were amongst the deceased. Hostages included 54 Thai citizens, and people from at least 25 other countries, as well as Bedouins. Atrocities included sexual violence, torture and mutilation. 2,000–2,500 deadly rockets were launched into all parts of Israel as Jews celebrated two holidays; Simchat Torah, a holiday of joy and Shabbat, a day of rest.
October 7 posed a moral question to all Jews throughout the world — how will you respond at this moment in time? Israeli soldiers choose to risk their lives to locate live and dead hostages that were being tortured by enemy forces in Gaza. They were motivated by a feeling of great dedication to Jewish people. Unlike the Holocaust wherein 6 million Jews were killed in genocide, the Israel DEFENSE forces chose to defend Israel at this critical historical time. They fought terrorists and prevented them from killing more innocent civilians at this moment in time.
In Cincinnati, the Jewish community responded with the creation of the Cincinnati Coalition for Israel (CCFI). Founders David Bernstein and Darrell Radin met in synagogue and had a pivotal conversation on October 7. That day, they decided to join forces of Jewish people around the world to support the efforts to return all live and dead hostages that were ruthlessly held in Gaza. They also decided to respond to the skyrocketing antisemitism in Cincinnati, Ohio and throughout the world. In mid-October, after shocking university demonstrations in Cincinnati and throughout the United States, David and Darrell began to build CCFI.
The Cincinnati Coalition for Israel has been doing a remarkably successful job sticking to their mission of supporting Israel and combating antisemitism since October 7. They unite American and Israeli Jews and Christians who support these two critical endeavors at this important historical time.
Hosted by the Cincinnati Coalition for Israel (CCFI), Sunday afternoon’s event featured a ceremony to honor IDF soldiers and a high-impact Krav Maga workshop.
Hirsch Wise opened the program with a beautiful prayer for the safety and protection of IDF soldiers who continue to risk their lives to safeguard all of Israel’s borders so that Jews and innocent victims are not overtaken by ruthless terrorists. He introduced an IDF soldier who talked about how he experienced the loss of friends during missions into Gaza, Lebanon and Syria to combat the great evil. This soldier set the tone for the program and reminded people of a powerful message. He said that in the eyes of the enemy, there was no difference between Jews. He stated that Jews create unnecessary divisions amongst themselves. He cautioned Jews to remember the enemy’s perspective, which; like Nazi Germany, was a desire to kill, rape and harm all Jews, regardless of anything else. The IDF soldier stated that our strength is in our unity.
One People, Unified in Strength
Master of Ceremonies Ben Rodriguez opened the event by emphasizing the deep connection between the local community and the State of Israel. “There are not, as many say, two Jewish communities: the world and Israel. We are one Jewish people,” Rodriguez stated.
He noted the poetic nature of the day’s activities, referencing the meaning of Israel as “He who wrestles with G-d.” “Today we’ll learn some Jewish wrestling,” he added, introducing the self-defense portion of the program.
Rodriguez also drew a historical parallel to Winston Churchill’s tribute to the Royal Air Force, remarking on recent Israeli defensive actions:
“Never in Jewish history has so much been owed by so many to so few Jews.”
Gifts were given to all IDF soldiers in attendance.
The ceremony turned solemn as Darrell Radin took the podium to honor the local IDF veterans in attendance. Quoting Joseph Campbell, Radin defined a hero as “someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
Radin described military service as a profound commitment to the Jewish homeland:
– A Unique Calling: Service is a “blank check” made payable to the State of Israel for an amount up to one’s very life.
– Universal Sacrifice: Whether serving in 1948 or today, these men and women are ordinary people who have done extraordinary things.
– A Lasting Bond: Radin concluded by blessing both the United States and Israel, which he called “our best friend and our land to live in if we wish to make Aliya.”
The event concluded with the introduction of a veteran of the IDF, who was recognized for his service alongside the “unsung heroes” of Israel’s secret defense forces like the Shin Bet and Mossad.
Cincinnati Krav Maga did an outstanding job teaching all participants, from young children to elderly people on wheelchairs about basic self-defense. Aaron Binik-Thomas is a leader of Krav Maga Cincinnati and provided a team of professionals and equipment to help make this Krav Maga experience most enjoyable to all. The IDF soldier and Krav Maga leaders taught that the most important rule of self-defense is to retreat and avoid combat when possible. They equipped all the attendees with smart moves of how to respond when and if attacked by an attacking force.
The Cincinnati Coalition for Israel did an outstanding job of creating unity between Jews and Christians who stand behind Israel and against antisemitism. They successfully created a bridge between local people and activities and Israel. This non-profit, multi-religious grassroots organization formed after October 7th to combat antisemitism and promote the U.S.-Israel relationships is a role model for the creation of bridges between humane people throughout the world.
In every generation, the strength of a Jewish community is measured not only by how it celebrates, but by how it responds — to challenge, to misinformation, to isolation, and to hate. In Cincinnati, that strength has a name: the Cincinnati Coalition for Israel.
What began as a committed group of volunteers determined to ensure that Jewish voices were heard has grown into a disciplined, principled, and tireless force for advocacy, education and solidarity. And that choice matters. It is a grassroots effort with real impact.
The Cincinnati Coalition for Israel has stepped forward at critical moments — organizing testimony, mobilizing community members, correcting misinformation, building bridges with elected officials and ensuring that antisemitism does not go unanswered.
When public policy discussions affect the Jewish community, Coalition volunteers do not remain silent. They research. They write. They show up. They speak clearly and respectfully — grounded in facts and guided by principle.
When antisemitic rhetoric surfaces locally, they respond thoughtfully and strategically. When students feel isolated, they provide support. When lawmakers need clarity, they provide it.
