Letters to the Editor – Three cheers for the JCC, a Dallas shop owner, Polk Rec Center

1 The Jewish Community Center — The recent Stand for Israel event in Washington, D.C., offered my wife and me, along with 290,000 other Jewish Americans, an opportunity to sing, pray and stand in peaceful solidarity for Israel and the United States. It was also an opportunity to express concerns about the incredible rise in antisemitism since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.

Actual stories of antisemitic attacks have affected the way many of us are displaying our Jewish identity. My wife and I have discussed if we should even display our beautiful Hanukkah menorah in front of our home.

Through all the chaos and fear, we are fortunate to have a place of refuge. The Jewish Community Center has continued to offer a safe place for fitness, schmoozing and programming, while expressing Jewish values and culture.

The moment you walk though the doors of the JCC and receive a friendly greeting or wave from a police officer, you will be transformed away from the turmoil of the outside world. The JCC fills the void of everyday life with several activities including pickleball and tennis, senior lunches, film festivals and much more.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our JCC, where we are fortunate to be with friends, family members and colleagues who are part of the heart and soul of our exceptional community.

Barry Rothschild, Dallas/Preston Hollow

2 Elizabeth Mast — Elizabeth Mast is the loveliest human being. I think “How can I help you?” must be her motto. She is our neighbor and friend. Her shop, Talulah & Hess, is wonderful. Go by and see it.

She works tirelessly to serve the community in many ways and every bit of success she enjoys is richly deserved.

Ann Thornton, East Dallas

3 K.B. Polk Recreation Center — Three cheers to the staff at K.B. Polk Recreation Center for being so welcoming to our pickleball group from the Walnut Hill Recreation Center when the gym was closed for a private event.

It was a joy to see all the friendly and smiling employees along with the community visitors eating lunch who waved every time we walked by. Our visit was a wonderful experience and we will be back.

Cathie Shaw, Dallas/Preston Hollow

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