Draft:Steven R Schimmel

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Steven Ralph Schimmel
Born (1983-08-23) August 23, 1983 (age 41)
Conroe, Texas, U.S.
OccupationNonprofit executive
Known forLeadership in Jewish community organizations
TitleExecutive Director, Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts

Steven Ralph Schimmel (born August 23, 1983) is an American nonprofit executive and Jewish community leader. He is the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts. Schimmel has been a visible figure in regional advocacy on issues of antisemitism, interfaith relations, and Jewish cultural programming.

Early life and education

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Schimmel was raised in Massachusetts and attended Clark University in Worcester, where he studied political science and became active in local civic life.[1]

Career

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Schimmel began his professional career working in nonprofit and Jewish community organizations in the Northeast. He served in various leadership roles before becoming the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts.

In 2013, Schimmel was appointed Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts, based in Worcester.[2] At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest executive director among the 148 Jewish Federations in North America.[3]

As director, Schimmel has overseen fundraising campaigns, educational initiatives, and interfaith programming. He led efforts to expand Holocaust education in local schools and created partnerships between the Jewish Federation and civic organizations across Central Massachusetts.[4]

In 2020, Schimmel was named to Worcester Business Journal’s *40 Under Forty* list, which recognized his leadership and community engagement.[5]

Public advocacy and media presence

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Schimmel has been a frequent spokesperson on issues related to antisemitism and Jewish identity. In 2023, he publicly criticized a pro-Palestinian rally in Worcester as "alarming" and described the rhetoric at the event as hostile to the Jewish community.[6]

Following an increase in reported antisemitic incidents in Massachusetts, Schimmel was quoted in Spectrum News calling for stronger action from public officials and educational institutions.[7] He stated that antisemitism had become more overt in recent years and called for greater awareness and unity against hatred.

In 2025, Schimmel joined a delegation of Jewish leaders from New England on a visit to Israel amid the release of hostages from Gaza. In interviews, he described the emotional impact of the trip and emphasized the importance of solidarity with Israeli families.[8]

He has also spoken publicly about threats to Israeli diplomats, such as in the aftermath of a 2025 embassy shooting in Washington, D.C., where he urged public figures to avoid rhetoric that could inflame tensions.[9]

References

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  1. ^ Clark University Alumni Notes
  2. ^ "Executive Director Urges Government to Confront the Rise in Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia". Radio Worcester. Retrieved 2025-08-06.
  3. ^ "40 Under Forty 2020: Steven Schimmel". Worcester Business Journal. Retrieved 2025-08-06.
  4. ^ "40 Under Forty 2020: Steven Schimmel". Worcester Business Journal. Retrieved 2025-08-06.
  5. ^ "40 Under Forty 2020: Steven Schimmel". Worcester Business Journal. Retrieved 2025-08-06.
  6. ^ "Jewish community leader calls Worcester's Palestine rally 'hostile' and 'alarming'". Spectrum News 1. Retrieved 2025-08-06.
  7. ^ "Massachusetts ranks high in antisemitism incidents". Spectrum News 1. Retrieved 2025-08-06.
  8. ^ "Local Jewish leader visits Israel as some hostages are released". Spectrum News 1. Retrieved 2025-08-06.
  9. ^ "Israeli embassy staff members killed, community leaders respond". Bay News 9. Retrieved 2025-08-06.
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