Friend —
The first half of 2020 has been like nothing we've ever experienced. There’s no way we could have ever predicted a global pandemic full of confusing misinformation, or a social and political uprising that has rocked the streets of nearly every city in the nation.
As a news organization, The Forward’s job is to serve our community — especially in times of crisis. Journalists are here to provide clear information about what’s happening and never is that more important than during times like this. Here’s how we’re doing that this year.
In the first half of this year we’ve published more news than ever. Fair and full reporting is a cornerstone of resilient democracy and one way we’re delivering on our promise of journalism with integrity.
We’ve focused on how coronavirus is impacting the Hasidic community, including a partnership with JTA to distribute Yiddish materials about COVID-19 through WhatsApp, often the only online access Hasidim have.
We lifted our paywall on our coronavirus coverage to make sure information is available as widely as possible and we plan to continue doing this throughout the coronavirus crisis.
And we also began hosting #ForwardFocus: Talks in Trying Times, a series of virtual events which have brought together more than 4,000 people from across the country in ways that have been powerful and transformative.
This is just some of the incredible work we’ve done already this year. We also know there will be more to do in the months ahead. Help make more of this work possible:  Here are just a few of the comments we’ve gotten in response to our work so far this year:
“I have been a subscriber for many years. I appreciate your coverage and all you are doing during the pandemic, including yesterday's zoom meeting on Unorthodox.” — Ina L., a Forward reader
“This was one of the best interviews and programs I have attended. I lost my 92 year old Mom last week to Covid 19 and this program has given me inspiration and hope for a bright future. Thank you!” – Gary B., a Forward reader
“Thank you. Literally pikuach nefesh (saving lives) to know you're not alone, be supported, see yourself represented and find community. Thank you for all ya'll do!” Eti B., a Forward reader
Make a donation today to support independent Jewish journalism at a time when we need it most. We have incredible things planned for the second half of 2020 but we need your help to make them possible.
It is our honor and privilege to serve The Forward’s community during this moment. Thank you for all the ways you are already part of this community. Take a moment today to make more of these features possible in the months ahead.
Sincerely,
Rachel Fishman Feddersen
Publisher & CEO
The Forward
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