ABOUT US – The Gerbera Project

Traditionally, pink gerbera daisies have been sent to those who are sick or suffering in another way to remind them of their strength. These flowers are regarded as symbols of grace and gentility.

My name is Cassandra Newman. I am the founder and Executive Director of the Gerbera Project. A few weeks after the October 7, 2023 attacks, I watched a CNN interview with an Israeli survivor. Her fear, her pain, her tears – they gnawed at my soul.

I was horrified again at the myriad incidents of anti-Semitism that followed those attacks. Jewish college students hiding in a library, terrified as protests turned violent and promoted discrimination against them. A 12-year-old girl violated in Paris by teenage boys because she was Jewish. A hateful sign at a Philadelphia bar. Given all that was happening, I could not blame my Jewish brothers and sisters for feeling increasingly unsafe in this world.

I could remain silent. Or I could be an ally. I have chosen to be an ally.

My aspiring non-profit organization, the Gerbera Project, seeks to honor the humanity of my Jewish brothers and sisters by promoting a safe environment that celebrates their unique identity and reminds them that there are still those in this world who will stand in solidarity with them against hatred. We want our Jewish friends to know that we see them, that they matter.

OUR MISSION

The Gerbera Project is committed to promoting interfaith fellowship activities and artistic projects that encourage American Jews of all ages to feel safe and thrive.

OUR VISION

We envision a world where Jews can practice their faith and embrace their cultural heritage knowing that their non-Jewish brothers and sisters will appreciate their right to exist free from violence or prejudice and do what they can to help them feel safe.

BACKGROUND OF STAFF AND ADVISORS

Cassandra Newman (Founder/Executive Director) is an actress and writer with an MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University. She last had a chance to combine her dual interests in peace and the arts when she created the Arise, Baltimore! Playreading Festival on Race, Dialogue and Reconciliation in Baltimore, Maryland in 2015.

Dr. Laura M. Frey (Advisor, Future Board member), currently is a special education consultant with the Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa. Dr. Frey has 40+ years of experience in the field of public education, 22 of which at the K-12 level. She has a PhD, MA and BSE in the special education field and an MA in Dispute Resolution. Laura’s career and volunteer work has been dedicated to empowering people to pursue their dreams and improve their lives.