A Welcome Visit from Myanmar

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Community Relations Committee (CRC) recently hosted a delegation from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Burma) for a panel discussion. It allowed the visitors a better understanding of the work Federation does across various religious and ethnic groups throughout Ohio.

The Myanmar coalition included 15 high-level governmental and party officials, as well as local media from their country. The Federation’s panel featured community members Gregg Levine, Jeremy Paris, and Jill Miller Zimon; they helped to play a role in fostering a greater understanding of tolerance building and interfaith dialogue. The Q&A format provided for a wide range of topics including how race and religion is viewed in a public and legal setting, how the Israeli culture and government has been influential to the people of Myanmar, and how Judaism is practiced in both the United States and in Myanmar.

“I was moved by their desire to learn about Judaism and Israel,” said Gregg Levine. “I also felt privileged to have the opportunity to share how our community works to protect, preserve and promote a just and democratic and pluralistic society, just as they were struggling to ensure equality and freedom for their citizens of this very young new democratic country.”

In a country with less than 20 Jews total, it was a great way for both the Federation and for our guests from Myanmar to learn from each other on various ways to grow as a community. The group joined us thanks to the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.

To learn more about this relationship or other community involvement, contact Debbie Klein at dklein@jcfcleve.org or 216-593-2834.

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