Suncoast Jewish Alliance

Jewish Values · Civic Advocacy · Nonpartisan· Standing with Israel.

Tzedek

Pursuit of Justice

Tikkun Olam

Repairing the world

Derekh Eretz

Dignity and respect

 photo: Suncoast Jewish Alliance - Gathering Moral Moment Vigil

Our Mission

The Suncoast Jewish Alliance is a volunteer-run organization committed to fighting antisemitism, bigotry, and threats to democracy in the Sarasota community and beyond.

Guided by Jewish values of justice, compassion, and community, we advocate for policies and actions that protect all people from discrimination and hate.

We are nonpartisan, welcoming all who share our commitment to building a more just and inclusive society.

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members

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All-Volunteer

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per person / Annual dues

The values that guide our work

Our Principles

Community first

We engage with community individuals and organizations to build coalitions for meaningful change.

Standing with Israel

We stand steadfastly with the Jewish State and for sustainable peace in the Middle East.

Collaboration

We work with groups who share our values regardless of religious, political or ethnic background.

Education & Action

We provide educational programs and take action on critical issues of social justice and antisemitism.

Defending Democracy

We oppose efforts by public officials and others who seek autocratic power and undermine our democracy.

Nonpartisan Voice

We are nonpartisan but will speak out on public policy issues and against any official engaging in antisemitism.

Meet Our Board

and Committee Chairs

Norman Olshansky
President

Retired Jewish Communal Professional, National Consultant and Community Activist

Julie Friedman
Vice President

Lifelong professional and volunteer health and social services administrator, advocate and community organizer grounded on her Jewish values.

Lisa Barzel
Treasurer

A retired Psychotherapist, and passionate supporter of Israel and the fight against antisemitism.

Wendy Wicks
Secretary

Active community volunteer with Temple Emanu-El, Sarasota Jewish Theatre, Meals on Wheels, and other local nonprofits. Former ADL staff member and synagogue educator.

Uzi baram
Programming

Natasha Reisner
Communications

A residential property manager, active Jewish community member, and certified Rescue Scuba Diver involved in coral restoration efforts.

Marcy Bernstein
Member-At-Large

A retired hospice social worker and past president of Jewish Family Services of Greenwich.

Mark Blaweiss
Member-At-Large

An independent educational consultant, international university advisor, and chair of the Alliance’s Education Committee.

Rabbi Anat Moskowitz
Member-At-Large

Serves on several nonprofit boards and is dedicated to reaching unaffiliated members of the Jewish community. Volunteers with youth and addiction recovery programs.

Join our team of dedicated volunteers and make a difference on the Suncoast.
Loud and clear: antisemitism is not acceptable!
"The time is late, the hour is short and the matter is urgent. It is not incumbent upon us to complete the task, but neither are we free to desist from doing all we possibly can".
Pirkei Avot
Ethics of the Fathers

Upcoming Events

Join us for community forums, educational programs, and conversations that make a difference in Sarasota-Manatee.

Become a member

Annual membership is just $18 per person. Join a 100% volunteer-run organization fighting antisemitism and standing up for justice in our community.

Follow us on Facebook

Stay connected with Alliance news, upcoming events, and community updates on our Facebook page.

Your Questions About The Alliance

Why do we need another Jewish organization in Sarasota-Manatee?

There are many excellent Jewish organizations and synagogues in our area.  Most have committees for social action or community relations. However, most of their good work is in the area of social service, helping food banks, and doing mitzvah projects. The Alliance is focused on public policy advocacy and being more vocal in the community.

 

Doesn't the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee do that too?

The Jewish Federation does great work and we partner with it on projects within our mission. The Jewish Federation is foremost a fundraising organization; for social action and public advocacy they are constrained by varying pressures from donors with partisan interests. The Jewish Federation is successful with behind-the-scenes advocacy. The Alliance outspokenly stands up against antisemitic and anti-Zionist behaviors, hate across all entities, censoring and other policies that negatively affect Jews and other disadvantaged communities. We attend community meetings, submit letters to the editor, collaborate with like-minded organizations, speak out and demonstrate in the streets when needed.

How do you differ from the local Democratic Jewish Caucus & the Republican Jewish Coalition?

We are non-partisan. We do not endorse candidates but will speak out against any public official if they engage in antisemitism or other positions contrary to Jewish values and ethics. Our membership includes Republicans, Democrats, and people who belong to other and no political parties. When organizations identify themselves based on party affiliation they tend to increase the polarization of society.

How are decisions made by the Suncoast Jewish Alliance?

Our mission and principles call for us to act on issues based on Jewish values and ethics.  Our bylaws guide our governance and decision making. With input from our members, the Alliance Board decides what we support or oppose.

How much is membership and how do you use the funds?

Annual membership per person is only $18 per person.  Dues and donations maintain our State and Federal nonprofit designation, strengthen our infrastructure, expand our social media tools, increase our outreach and recruitment efforts, and allow us to augment our programming.  With no paid staff, we rely on actively engaged volunteers. 

We would welcome your membership and participation! 

Support the Alliance

Your contribution helps us fight antisemitism, defend democracy, and strengthen our community. Every dollar goes directly to our mission.
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