TOMS RIVER – The Jewish Federation of Ocean County recently hosted its annual “Heroes Against Hate” event to celebrate individuals committed to combatting the rising tide of antisemitism and hate in the community.
An annual occurrence, this year’s event took on added significance due to increased attention to the Jewish community because of the war in Israel. Keith Krivitzky, the Managing Director of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, served as the host for the event, held at the Jazmin Loft.
“We call it our community caring event because, as the Jewish Federation, we want to embody that value in the community – the Jewish community and the broader Ocean County community,” explained Krivitzky.
However, recent years have seen the celebration take on a more urgent tone, as the region grapples with a troubling surge in hate and antisemitic incidents.
Recognizing the need for proactive measures, Krivitzky emphasized the importance of not merely condemning hate but actively encouraging individuals to become “upstanders.” The term reflects a commitment to standing up against hate, bigotry, and bias whenever encountered.
“The best way to combat this isn’t just for the people affected to say, ‘That’s bad. Don’t do that,’” asserted Krivitzky. “It’s to encourage others to be called upstanders, to encourage others to stand up when they see hate, when they see bigotry, when they see bias – to be front and center and vocal with their concern. That, we think, is the best way to try and counter hate in our society.”
Rabbi Stephen Gold introduced Caroline Winn. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Krivitsky reported that Ocean County leads the state in the number of antisemitic incidents. Additionally, Krivitsky noted that various surveys place New Jersey as the fourth-highest state in the nation concerning the number of hate groups.
Committee members of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County took turns presenting this year’s honorees. Rabbi Stephen Gold introduced Caroline Winn, the youngest Hero Against Hate. Caroline is an eighth-grade student at Toms River Intermediate North.
“The Jewish Federation of Ocean County nominated Caroline because she heard fellow students at her school making antisemitic comments,” said Gold. “And she decided to do something about it.”
Caroline received recognition for the way she decided to attack the issue. She crafted a Google slideshow addressing Jewish education, driven by the belief that dispelling ignorance could diminish stereotypes and shame. She intends to make the presentation accessible to other schools and organizations, including the Girl Scouts.
“I think it’s important to stand up for others,” Caroline said as she accepted the award. “Even if no one else is.”
Shelly Newman, the secretary of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, subsequently delivered the presentation to honor the Toms River Jewish Community Council (TRJCC).
Newman recalled attending the council’s inaugural meeting several years ago, citing its establishment as a response to heightened tension and conflict in the community. Originating from a core group of 11 local businessmen, the council was formed with the purpose of fostering dialogue and conversation.
The organization received its nomination for their diligent efforts in sowing the seeds of tolerance and understanding within the community. Their commitment includes active participation in community events, meetings, and volunteer work.
“They will attend meetings with members of the community who are less tolerant to educate them,” added Newman. “And demonstrate for them that members of the Orthodox Jewish community want nothing more than to live in harmony with their non-Jewish neighbors.”
Four members of the TRJCC, Sam Ellenbagen, Booky Kaliszynen, Meir Kubie, and Michael Waldner, attended the special event where the group were recognized as heroes. Waldner delivered prepared remarks, saying the group is generally more inclined to stay out of the spotlight.
“We begrudgingly accepted this honor,” shared Waldner. “In the hopes, it can in any way inspire even a single person to stand up with the good people of our times and enhance the life of even one human being. We live in quite precarious times when the world refuses to distinguish right from wrong; good from evil.”
Federation Committee member Laurie Keleti introduced two college students, honored for their work while in high school. Jasmine and Mateo Guarin, graduates of Toms River High School South, initiated the Community Ambassadors Club, collaborating closely with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office. They aimed to foster unity among students irrespective of their ethnicity, culture, religion, or heritage. A similar club was also introduced into Lakewood High School.
The primary focus of the club’s work was centered on reconciliation, encouraging uncomfortable and vulnerable conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds. The group’s efforts extended into the Hispanic, Jewish, and African American communities, fostering dialogue to build mutual respect.
Audience members included Ocean County officials. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Now a student at Cornell University, Jasmine said that she has personally witnessed antisemitic crimes and terroristic threats to her own neighbors.
“I had never really experienced that before, “Jasmine shared. “I’ve never really been at the center of what hate really looks like. True hate, and really learning how to stand in unity with people who seek the higher goods of the good of others, and learning how to seek justice for those who cannot speak up or who are afraid to speak up.”
Mateo, a Princeton University freshman, said that he and Jasmine started the club at the middle school level and then brought it to the high school. He said that many of the other participants were carrying on the same mission at Ocean County College. Mateo urged those at the gathering to connect with them.
“We’re confident and adamant in our role to stand against hate, and to call out hate,” added Mateo. “Courage and boldness are required in this area of work.”
Fran Gimpel of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County introduced Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer as this year’s final hero award recipient. She first commended Ocean County’s chief law enforcement officer for taking a stance against hate as a priority.
“He is being honored to help him to create diversity clubs in schools, creating a volunteer Human Relations Council, and working with our coalition of partners on our student leadership conferences, encouraging students to be upstanders,” she said.
Billhimer expressed gratitude towards the Federation, while also extending appreciation to the other honorees for their contributions in combating bigotry. Additionally, Billhimer acknowledged the individuals within his office who have supported what he deemed a crucial mission since assuming the role of prosecutor in 2018.
“I think working with Jasmine and Mateo got me to thinking how we have to change the hearts and minds of people in the schools,” shared Billhimer. “ And – their parents. It’s a full-time job.”
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, center, posed after his award with Keith Krivitzky and Fran Gimpel of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
As part of that commitment, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has offered schools the opportunity to participate in Challenge Day. The comprehensive day-long program involves youth and their communities in activities that illustrate the potential for love and connection, emphasizing the celebration of diversity, truth, and full expression.
The Ocean County Prosecutor then shared some statistics about the current state of bias crimes, saying the bad news is the numbers are up. Billhimer also said that he believes that a number of incidents and crimes are underreported because people are afraid to come forward.
“It’s not just antisemitic behavior, it’s antiblack and brown, and anti-Asian,” said Billhimer. “All the numbers are up.”
Billhimer said he has been encouraging people to come forward since he first took office in 2018.
“We need to know about it, so we can investigate it,” Billhimer encouraged. “And we can build a case and have the evidence, we will charge that case and we will prosecute that case to the fullest extent of the law. That is our duty and that’s what we’ll do.”
Other Ocean County officials who attended the Heroes Against Hate event included Commissioners Bobbi Jo Crea and Ginny Haines, as well as Tim Hart in his capacity of Division Director of the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission.
Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy was also present, and shared brief remarks concerning his recent visit to Israel.
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