The Chicago Jewish Alliance and The Tikvah Center were honored to host Calling Home, a powerful evening of music, storytelling, and reflection with Israeli musical duo Daniel ve

Attendees experienced a moving performance by Daniel Geva and Iddo Jacobi, who shared honest and emotional narratives shaped by October 7th and their frontline experiences in Israel. Their music blended personal stories, faith, and the realities of today’s challenges, offering a meaningful perspective on a generation forever changed.

The duo was joined by their lifelong friend Ido Salmirs, who shared his perspective as a representative of the hostage families, adding a deeply human and moving layer to the program.

Together, they created a space for unity, strength, and connection between Israel and the Chicago Jewish community, leaving attendees inspired and profoundly touched.

On February 15th, the Chicago Jewish Alliance partnered with the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel (RICI) for an important and timely update on antisemitism featuring nationally acclaimed author and expert Dr. Andrew Pessin.

The program brought together community members from across the country for a thoughtful and substantive conversation on the current climate of antisemitism and what it means for Jewish communities today.

This event was presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Antisemitism Synagogue Task Force, the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation, and The Mattathias Project, reflecting a strong cross-border partnership committed to confronting antisemitism with clarity, education, and action.

On January 22nd, CJA members gathered for a relaxed and welcoming evening at Wild Roaster inside the Deerfield Metra Station. The night was all about connection—bringing together members over great conversation, fresh coffee, and delicious desserts in a casual, friendly setting.

Throughout the evening, attendees had the chance to meet new faces, reconnect with familiar ones, and share ideas about our community and CJA’s work. The laid-back atmosphere made it easy to mingle, laugh, and strengthen the relationships that make our community so special.

The raffle added an extra layer of fun, with members purchasing tickets for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. The excitement and energy in the room reflected exactly what these members-only gatherings are meant to be: meaningful connection paired with a little joy.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success. We’re grateful for our engaged members and look forward to hosting more opportunities like this to connect, collaborate, and build community together.

WANT TO BE APART OF THE NEXT MEMBER ONLY EVENT OR GET SPECIAL PERKS FOR BEING A MEMBER? BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

Link to membership page  https://www.chicagojewishalliance.org/membership 

This night in Northbrook was not just another event. It was a moral correction.

We created this program because the Holocaust was recently turned into an allegory for immigration and modern politics. That distortion demanded a response rooted in truth. Six million Jews were systematically hunted, eradicated, and turned to smoke. That history is not a metaphor. It is a uniquely Jewish catastrophe and it must be treated with precision.

That is why we placed a billboard in downtown Northbrook. Anyone who has seen slogans or distortions can stop, scan, and see the truth of the Holocaust for themselves. History belongs in public view, not repurposed for political narratives.

Daniel Schwartz, President of the Chicago Jewish Alliance, opened the evening by grounding the room in responsibility and memory. Jeff Kaminsky, a Northbrook resident and founder of Project Aid and Rescue, spoke powerfully about the danger of co opting Holocaust narratives. The Rabbi of Chabad of Northbrook reminded us that Jewish continuity is intentional and lived. Susan Haggard, Vice President of Events at the Chicago Jewish Alliance, once again turned conviction into reality.

And then Sami Steigmann spoke directly to our youth. He shared his life, his survival, and the meaning of Jewish resilience. Not abstract history. Lived truth.

The night ended in a standing ovation. Not for applause, but for shared responsibility. To remember accurately. To teach honestly. To protect Jewish history.

Presented in partnership with the Illinois Holocaust Museum.

The billboard remains downtown Northbrook for anyone who wants truth instead of slogans.

This is why we remember.