In recent weeks, headlines have once again brought stories of sexual assault and abuse of women and girls to the forefront of public attention. Moments like these surface deep anger, grief, and hard questions about the cultures and systems that allow so much harm to occur.

Unfortunately, these conversations are not new. They were present at SRE Network’s founding in 2018, they long predate SRE, and sadly, they will continue beyond our lifetime.

For many of us, it can feel like we are moving from one crisis to the next, barely catching our breath before another wave of grief or outrage arrives. Holding both the urgency of the present and the long arc of change is not easy. But as we know, culture change unfolds slowly. It requires sustained commitment, steady leadership, and collective action over time.

SRE’s work is grounded in this long-term commitment. Our work is not defined by moments of public attention, but by strengthening the conditions that prevent harm and support accountability when harm occurs.

Because of your partnership, our community has already built a deeper understanding of how gender inequity and power manifest in Jewish communal workplaces, and what it takes to prevent and respond to gender-based harm. Today, 200 Jewish communal organizations have committed to implementing the SRE Standards. Leaders and staff across our field are strengthening policies, building clearer reporting and response systems, and developing the competencies needed to address gender-based harm with integrity.

This work is often quiet, but it is essential. It reflects a growing recognition that safe, respectful, and equitable workplaces are foundational to the strength and sustainability of Jewish communal life.

If you are thinking about how to navigate these conversations with your teams, boards, or communities, SRE is here as a thought partner and resource. You can reach out to me, my colleague Jackie Zais, or our Senior Advisor for Culture and Belonging, Dr. Deitra Reiser. If you are currently experiencing harassment or abuse, call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We are deeply grateful to work alongside so many Jewish communal organizations that take this responsibility seriously and believe that change is possible.