In this Expert Q&A, Michael Schlank, the executive director of Sid Jacobson JCC, details how his center serves as a uniting force against isolation and hate by bringing together people of diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds for joy, healing and learning.
Schlank describes intentional initiatives like the Witness Project — which connects youth with Holocaust survivors, and the Randie Waldbaum Malinsky Center for Israel, which sends Israeli ambassadors into the community. He also highlights organic bridge-building through partnerships with groups like the Chinese American community. Addressing safety concerns, he explains the JCC’s extensive security measures and strong ties with local law enforcement, noting membership has rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels. Schlank frames his leadership as servant leadership grounded in hope and a commitment to strengthening the community’s future.
Enjoy!
Key Takeaways
- Rec centers as modern community squares.
- The Sid Jacobson JCC acts as a hub where people of diverse religious, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds come together for joy, learning and healing.
- By countering suburban isolation, it provides daily opportunities for meaningful, in-person connection.
- Combating hate through relationships and storytelling.
- The JCC believes it’s hard to hate someone you know deeply, so it prioritizes relationship-building across differences.
- The Witness Project connects youth with Holocaust survivors over an extended period, recording interviews and shared experiences that humanize history and counter antisemitism and hate.
- Cross-cultural and Israel engagement initiatives.
- The Randie Waldbaum Malinsky Center for Israel brings young Israelis to do grassroots outreach, teaching about Israeli and Jewish life.
- Partnerships with the Chinese American community — including Chinese New Year events and paddle boat programs — build solidarity through shared activities.
- Safety, security and trust.
- The JCC invests significantly in both visible and behind-the-scenes security, working closely with Nassau County Police and government partners.
- Strong safety practices have helped membership rebound to pre-COVID-19 levels.
- Leadership rooted in hope and service.
- Schlank embraces servant leadership, aiming to make staff, members, and programs stronger.
- Hope and forward-thinking guide his goal to leave the community center better than he found it.
