Leo Terrell Will Visit Southfield Synagogue on October 21
The event at Congregation Shaarey Zedek marks the first stop on the American Tour Against Hate.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Judaism
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Leo Terrell, senior counsel in the Justice Department's civil rights division, will appear at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield on October 21, 2026. The visit serves as the kickoff for the American Tour Against Hate.
Why it matters
The event aims to confront rising antisemitism and foster direct engagement between the local community and the Department of Justice. It also serves as a fundraiser for the Michigan chapter of the Zionist Organization of America.
The event is hosted at Congregation Shaarey Zedek and co-sponsored by the Frankel Jewish Academy in West Bloomfield Township and Mothers Against College Antisemitism. Attendees can register for the fundraiser through a dedicated page on the Zionist Organization of America website.
The players
Leo Terrell
He is a senior counsel in the civil rights division of the Department of Justice and chairs the federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
This synagogue is located in Southfield and serves as the official host venue for the upcoming federal event.
Zionist Organization of America
This organization is a beneficiary of the fundraiser and is managing event registration.
Frankel Jewish Academy
Located in West Bloomfield Township, this institution is a co-sponsor of the upcoming community event.
Mothers Against College Antisemitism
This organization is listed as a co-sponsor for the scheduled event in Southfield.
The details
Leo Terrell chairs the administration's Task Force to Combat Antisemitism and will represent the Department of Justice at the venue. The gathering is intended to bridge communication gaps regarding civil rights enforcement while raising funds for local Zionist advocacy efforts.
Timeline
The event is scheduled to take place on October 21, 2026.
Culture Shift
The event follows the mandate of the Department of Justice Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, signaling a broader societal shift toward federal-level intervention in local bias incidents. This move reflects a growing trend where government entities prioritize direct community engagement to address hate crimes.
Residents in Southfield planning to attend the event should use the official registration portal to secure their spot. Participation in the fundraiser provides a direct way for community members to support the goals of the Michigan chapter of the Zionist Organization of America.
The takeaway
This event highlights the increasing intersection of federal civil rights advocacy and local community organization. Residents interested in combating hate should look to these official channels for resources and collaborative opportunities.
What happens next
Donald Trump and JD Vance are scheduled to campaign in Michigan in the days following the event.
Further reading
For additional context on the local community, visit Judaism.
Live Poll
Should government officials participate in events that also serve as fundraisers for political advocacy groups?
