At a time when world events so dominate our headspace and the headlines, it’s understandable that many have become preoccupied with the situation in Israel, Iran, global antisemitism, and much more.

But it’s also vital that we stay attuned to pressing needs within our community — needs that often go unseen, even as they affect families living right next door and, for many, within our own homes.

That’s why UJA persists with work that’s not headline-making, but in a quiet, steady way, life-changing. Like our 19th annual Hilibrand Symposium on Autism, which we hosted on Wednesday for a packed room of self-advocates, parents, and professionals — all coming together to explore how we can open doors wider for people with autism.

We were reminded that for many individuals, structured support often ends at age 18, when they graduate and government services abruptly end.

That’s where we, as a community, need to step in. And UJA has — funding a broad array of programs focused on socialization, workforce readiness, and building pathways to independence.

But there’s still so much more to do.

As one example, in the wake of October 7, we tracked what many have called the “surge”— the rising numbers of Jews seeking connection to one another and to Jewish life. Just 18 months after the initial surge, a troubling trend emerged in a national JFNA study: Engagement declined most sharply among households that include a person with a disability, dropping 16 points, from 46% during the initial surge to 30%. This suggests that many who wanted “in” to community faced too many barriers. So they gave up. 

We owe them that way in.

The symposium itself offers time and space to explore strategies and hear the latest research from experts in the field. This year focused on technology and whether AI can be helpful or detrimental for those with autism. Some raised concerns that AI could deepen isolation — keeping people alone in their rooms, interacting more with bots than with each other. Others saw real possibility that AI could help bridge gaps, offering support for those who grapple with navigating social situations. A simple prompt like “Help me prepare for a work outing — what should I expect?” could reduce anxiety and offer practical guidance.

One of the most powerful moments of the day was the panel of self-advocates: Elizabeth, a nonverbal individual who uses technology to communicate; Alex, an artist who faced cyberbullying when he shared his art online; and Katie, an LGBTQ+ participant who “found their people” online.

Alex shared “Ruffle in a Prickle,” a comic he created about an artistic hedgehog navigating isolation and finding his way to community. His father sat in the room, beaming — having watched his son emerge from that isolation himself. When Alex read, “Remember friends, be strong, listen to your gut, keep being creative, and stay positive,” he wasn’t just telling a story. He was speaking to all of us. To anyone who’s ever felt like they were on the outside looking in.

In fact, an underlying theme of the day was the need to address loneliness. And the recognition that loneliness is loneliness, whether one is neurodivergent or neurotypical.

Everyone wants to be seen, to feel part of a community that accepts them.

And particularly at a time when the world feels unsteady, when the headlines overwhelm, we need community to anchor us all the more.

To offer a way in. And allow us to be who we are.  

Shabbat shalom