We were shocked by the decision to publish The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle on a monthly basis and to lay off all but one-and-a-half staff members, effectively gutting the paper.
Although we’re aware of the severity of the current financial situation in the Jewish community, The Chronicle is one of our most important assets, and should not be cut.
It is the only forum where Jews from around the state, regardless of affiliation, can meet on a weekly basis to dialogue and to share news, opinions, and more.
For many, it is the only source of information about events in the Jewish community; for others it is their sole connection to the Jewish community — a connection that we cannot afford to lose.
Its reduction to a monthly will harm the many agencies that rely on it for publicizing and reporting their events. Even more important, the reduction in staff deprives the community of local reporting, for which there is no substitute.
We were surprised that readers were not made aware that The Chronicle was in such dire straits before such drastic action was taken, and that community input was not sought for this important decision.
We urge the Milwaukee Jewish Federation to suspend their decision and to solicit suggestions from the community and the newspaper’s staff for ways in which to save the newspaper.
We urge readers who feel as we do to contact the federation in support of The Chronicle and to post comments on The Chronicle’s website. Together, we can find a solution. The Chronicle is too valuable an asset to lose.
Florence Steinberger
and Andrew Feiring
Dena Abramowitz
and Jay Beder
Milwaukee
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