Shabbat Shalom Rhode Island,

The past few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about safety for our Jewish community.  

This week we honored the memory of the innocent lives lost on October 7, 2023, and the hostages and IDF soldiers who perished in captivity and fighting for Israel’s existence in Gaza. May the memory of all those whose lives were cut short be for a blessing.  

The past three years have led to many Jewish people feeling unsafe in our own communities. In the latest issue of the Jewish Rhode Island newspaper, I shared what it has felt like to be new to Rhode Island as Providence considers Question 7, a BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel) ballot measure. If you have not read it, I invite you to do so here. 

At the same time, there is another safety challenge we can address in our own backyard—literally. 

Extreme weather events have increasingly threatened the Alliance’s Dwares JCC. A 2023 flood closed the building, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs and lost revenue; a smaller 2026 flood underscored the need to accelerate water-mitigation work to protect the building and its operations. 

The project has closed the Dwares JCC parking lot for two to three months. Thanks to Brown University, community members may use the Brown Stadium lot across the street most of that time; signage and website updates will note unavailable dates. 

Work includes re-grading the parking lot to direct water away from the building, replacing the rear courtyard’s concrete with grass and better drainage, and respectfully relocating the Holocaust memorial sculpture.  

These improvements will protect the building’s Early Childhood Center, health and wellness facilities, synagogue, mikveh, historical archive, tenants, professionals, and hundreds of thousands of patrons who use the building throughout the year. It will also strengthen climate resilience and lessen the impact on our neighbors and environment. 

Safety takes many forms—from standing against antisemitism to protecting the physical spaces where our community gathers. In each case, we are working toward a future where everyone can feel secure, welcome, and cared for. 

We will continue to share how the Jewish Alliance and our work will enhance community safety and security in time. 

I hope you enjoy the beautiful and safe fall weekend. 

Sincerely, 
Steven A. Baker  
President & CEO