United Against Hate: A Night of Strength, Light, and Solidarity

Wednesday night at the Crowne Plaza, we stood — together.

As a community, we made it clear: we do not accept hate.We do not stay silent when lines are crossed.We do not look away.

We show up.

And we did — proudly, powerfully, and in unity. Jews of every kind, every background, every story, standing as one. The impact of the evening wasn’t just in the program — it was in the presence. In the energy. In how we showed up for each other.

The response was overwhelming. We were joined by elected officials, faith leaders, and allies from across the region. Their presence — from across city governments, state leadership, and diverse faith communities — sent a strong and unmistakable message: we stand together.

Among those who joined us:

• Congresswoman Jen Kiggans

• Mayor Bobby Dyer, City of Virginia Beach

• Mayor Kenny Alexander, City of Norfolk

• Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata, Virginia House of Delegates

• Councilman Joash Shulman, Virginia Beach City Council

• Councilman Chris (Cash) Green, Virginia Beach City Council

• Mike Callan, Virginia Beach School Board

• Ron Taylor, Chairman, Hampton Roads Black Caucus

• Betty Ann Levin, CEO, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

• Rabbi Roz Mandelberg, Ohef Sholom Temple

• Rabbi Yosroel Zoberman, Founder, Temple Lev Tikvah

• Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberg, B’nai Israel Congregation

• Rabbi Avi Forkash, Jewish Leader in our Community

• Chaplain Mitch Schrantz, Navy Chaplain and community leader

• Said Ghatass, Lebanese Christian Arab friend and ally

  
  

We are deeply grateful to each of them for standing with our community.

A huge thank you to Charlie’s Restaurant for the delicious catering — everyone was talking about how incredible the food was!

And a big thank you to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, who hosted us so graciously. Led by our longtime friends Karen and Barney, and the amazing 757 Events team, the support they provided made the evening feel both meaningful and welcoming. From our very first events in the city, they’ve been by our side — and Wednesday felt like a full-circle moment.

The space and the food created the perfect environment for people to connect — to talk, share, and build relationships beyond the program itself.

We’re so thankful for the incredible partners who helped make this evening possible.

Because when there is light, darkness disappears on its own.And on Wednesday night, the light was strong.

Together — it’s only getting stronger.