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A few nights ago, I was walking home and noticed a father and son playing catch in a public-school field. The father was in a wheelchair, and his son looked to be about ten years old.

At first, I admired the father: still out there, having a catch with his son despite his limitations. But then I found myself admiring the son even more. Because his father had such limited range, the boy had to carefully weave each throw right into his glove. Every toss was measured, thoughtful, and full of care. It was beautiful to watch a child so aware, so tuned in, so loving.

That moment has stayed with me. Because lately, leading a Jewish organization feels a lot like that. We’re out here trying to engage the next generation of Jews, but the world around us can feel complicated and heavy. Every word, every program, every message has to be with care,  with our hope that it lands gently, meaningfully, and with impact.

And now with a ceasefire in place, I’ve been reflecting on where our energy goes next. For two years we’ve been in battle mode, fighting antisemitism, speaking up again and again. But there’s only so far you can go trying to change other people’s hearts. The real work, the work that lasts, is building strength and pride within our own community.

That’s where our focus must turn inward toward the young Jewish community. To remind them that being Jewish is not a burden to hide from, but a gift to live for. To make Jewish identity feel vibrant, intelligent, joyful, and worth holding onto.

So yes, we’ll keep standing up against hate. But our truest fight, and our greatest hope, is in lighting that spark of Jewish pride within the next generation. Every conversation, every Shabbat dinner, every student we reach is one more carefully woven throw toward a stronger future.

And like that father and son on the field, we’re staying out there, catching, throwing, and believing that love, presence, and persistence will always win.