As a Jewish educator living in Florida, especially in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply on what it means to be a Jew in this country. At the Scheck Hillel Community School and the JCC of Miami, places where we nurture not only the minds but the souls of our students, our commitment to Jewish values has been tested in profound ways. The ongoing threat of antisemitism has crept into our daily lives, reminding us of our enduring responsibility to our faith and community, both locally and abroad.
One of the most jarring experiences I’ve witnessed has occurred on the soccer field, where our student athletes have faced antisemitic taunts and slurs. What should be a space for camaraderie and fair play once became a place where our students were reminded that the hatred we read about in textbooks isn’t a thing of the past. These moments are painful, but they serve as a stark reminder of why we must remain steadfast in our Jewish identity, educating the next generation to respond with dignity, resilience and a deep sense of who we are.
My grandfather, Isaac Touvi z’ll, lost everything when the Nazis invaded his Sephardic community in Salonica, Greece in 1941. He survived the death camps of Auschwitz and moved to America in 1957. My great uncles, Mois and Michel Pardo left Greece in 1945 and moved to Israel only to find themselves embroiled in a war against the British and again during the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. My father, Morris Touvi, is also a Jewish war veteran who got drafted to the military from 1968-1972 to fight in the Vietnam War. My family’s blood runs deep when it comes to fighting for what they believe in: freedom, democracy, Zionism, family, and education. It is now incumbent upon me as an educator to teach the next generation of parents, leaders, thinkers, entrepreneurs, readers and writers about our shared history.
The threats we face aren’t only verbal. This past year, our community has been shaken by an active bomb threat, causing a palpable tension among parents, students and staff. The reality of being a visible Jewish institution in Florida means we remain vigilant, constantly aware of the challenges to our safety. However, this only strengthens our resolve. Each morning, when we gather for prayers and learning, we are making a statement that despite the challenges, our connection to Judaism is unbreakable.
The global situation also hits close to home. Some of our own staff have been called back to Israel to serve in the military following the devastating attacks on October 7. Their departure left a significant emotional void within our community, as we grapple with the uncertainty and danger they face. Yet, this too has sparked a deep sense of solidarity. We are all acutely aware of our interconnectedness with the Jewish people around the world, particularly with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
But it’s not all darkness. In the face of adversity, we have found incredible strength in our collective identity. As Southern Floridians, we are rooted in our Judaism, not just in words, but in action. The Hebrew word chessed—acts of loving-kindness—has become the bedrock of how we respond to these challenges. Our school has organized food drives, blood donations and community outreach programs, providing support both for local families in need and for those affected by the situation in Israel. Every mitzvah, every act of charity and every moment of learning brings us closer to a shared purpose of supporting one another and strengthening our bond to Judaism.
What I see every day at Scheck Hillel is a community that refuses to be defined by fear or hatred. Instead, we choose to be defined by action. Whether through tzedakah (charity), or acts of kindness, we embrace our role in shaping a better world. The courage I witness among our students, athletes and staff reminds me that our Jewish identity is a source of strength, not just for us as individuals, but for the world around us.
Though the challenges are real—whether on the soccer field, in the face of threats, or through the lens of international conflict—we stand together, guided by faith, ready to confront the future with hope and a commitment to our core values of chessed, shalom, emet, ruach,
In these difficult times, Southern Florida’s Jewish community serves as a powerful testament to what it means to live, work and thrive as Jews in the United States. We are resilient, we are united and above all, we are proud of who we are.
Jason Touvi is an English teacher, adjunct professor of English and head of the journalism department at Scheck Hillel Community School in North Miami Beach.