Unity in Community:
JCC and YMCA Building Understanding and Combating Hatred
The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Pittsburgh and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership, “Unity in Community,” designed to bring people together, foster dialogue, and stand against hate in all its forms.
JCC and YMCA Building Understanding and Combating Hatred is a dual project geared toward middle school-aged summer day campers and adults, offering meaningful learning experiences to combat antisemitism and racism through education, dialogue, and actionable strategies. Together we are dedicated to strengthening our communities and amplifying our collective impact, fostering understanding, resilience, and unity across our region.
Unity in Community In the News:
July 29, 2026 – KDKA “Day Campers Show of Unity”
July 29, 2026 – WTAE “Pittsburgh Campers Promote Unity”
One moment that stayed with me from the experience was the opportunity to sit in a space where people from different backgrounds could come together with openness and respect. It was powerful to see how shared stories and traditions, even when they come from different faiths, can create understanding and connection.
What stood out most was the emphasis on reflection and liberation, and how those themes still connect to what many communities are facing today. It reminded me of the importance of coming together, learning from one another, and building stronger, more united communities. Experiences like this matter because they create space for dialogue, healing, and growth, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.
For More Information
For more information, reach out to the Center for Loving Kindness at [email protected]
CURIOUS CONVERSATIONS
Curious Conversations
Curious Conversations is a series presented by the JCC and YMCA, bringing families, educators, and community members together to explore big ideas, spark dialogue and build connections.
From combating antisemitism and celebrating diverse abilities, to LGBTQIA+ advocacy, resisting racism, interfaith dialogue, and promoting wellness, each session creates a welcoming space to learn, share and imagine stronger, more inclusive communities. These conversations invite everyone to participate, listen, and help shape a more connected, caring world.
Curious Conversations is made possible by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the Giant Eagle Foundation.
NAVIGATING POLITICAL DIFFERENCES
Jewish Community Center – South Hills
345 Kane Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Register HERE
Tuesday, November 17, 6:30-8 pm
DISABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY
Sampson Family YMCA
2200 Golden Mile Hwy. Pittsburgh, PA 15239
Register HERE
Tuesday, February 16, 6:30-8 pm
IMMIGRATION AND WELCOMING REFUGEES
Spencer Family YMCA
305 Church Rd. Bethel Park, PA 15102
Register HERE
Tuesday, March 16, 6:30-8 pm
GENERATIONAL UNDERSTANDING
Baierl Family YMCA
2565 Nicholson Rd. Sewickley, PA 15143
Register HERE
Tuesday, April 13, 6:30-8 pm
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND BELONGING
Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
5738 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Register HERE
Tuesday, May 25, 6:30-8 pm
COLLECTIVE ACTION AGAINST HATE
Thelma Lovette YMCA
2114 Centre Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Register HERE
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY THROUGH CULTURE
Experience Community Through Culture
Unity in Community in Action
Past Conversations
January 14, 2026
Growing Love in a Loud World, Homewood-Brushton YMCA
February 19, 2026
Living Out Loud, Together: Stories, Identity, and Connection in Pittsburgh
Location: Baierl Family YMCA, 2565 Nicholson Road, Sewickley, PA 15143
A public conversation with Stuart Fisk and Ava O’Brien, whose voices and experiences shape thoughtful dialogue about identity, honesty, and connection in our community.
March 2026
Passover Across Traditions: A Guided Interfaith Experience
A warm, table-centered evening rooted in the story of Passover and its enduring relevance in the face of antisemitism and Jew hatred. Through shared food, guided storytelling, and facilitated conversation, participants will explore how the themes of liberation, survival, and collective memory within the Passover narrative speak directly to the persistence of antisemitism today. Drawing on perspectives from multiple faith traditions, the evening will invite reflection on how relationships, understanding, and shared moral responsibility can confront antisemitism, challenge dehumanization, and strengthen solidarity.
April 2026
Building Bridges in the City of Bridges: How interfaith work in Pittsburgh takes shape
An exploration of what interfaith work looks like in practice—how relationships are built, sustained, and strengthened across difference. This conversation focuses on how people do this work, not just why it matters.
May 2026
Listening Forward: Race, Experience, and Responsibility
A thoughtful conversation centered on listening, learning, and understanding lived experiences of race. This gathering emphasizes curiosity and the power of shared humanity.
Reserved for YMCA and JCC summer day camp staff.
June 2026
Sustaining Ourselves, Sustaining Community: Rest, resilience, and care in challenging times
A closing conversation guided by Michelle King, Love Activist, focuses on rest as a communal practice—how care, boundaries, and renewal help us sustain ourselves and one another. Participants will reflect on what it means to tend to ourselves and our communities.
