It is sad to see the otherwise fine writer Austin Ratner (“Cleveland Rocks — Not Really,” March 16) using the threadbare trope “Cleveland = misery” to describe a city that is on the rise.

At a recent community conclave, Ari Maron, a young Jewish developer, stated succinctly that Cleveland self-loathing is a generational phenomenon that is not present in the new generation of entrepreneurs, artists, highly trained academics/professionals and boomerang kids coming to (or back to) Cleveland. These young folks (and their enlightened elders) have contributed to the growing vibrancy of Cleveland, where you will find $7 billion in projects recently completed or under construction, some of the nation’s — if not the world’s — finest cultural and health care institutions, wonderful cuisine, emerging city neighborhoods with remarkably affordable housing and a thriving Jewish community.

But don’t take my word for it — come see for yourself. If you come soon, you can catch the 36th Cleveland International Film Festival or the Eighth International Public Markets Conference this September. The International Gay Games will be hosted by Cleveland in 2014. Or perhaps you’ll join us in 2019 as we become the nation’s most sustainable city, celebrating our new status as the “green city on a blue lake” on the 50th anniversary of the infamous Cuyahoga River fire.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Martin Kohn
Shaker Heights, Ohio

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount