Last week, we offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the work you’ve helped make possible in our partner communities in “Supporting Israel’s Families in Our Partner Communities.” This week, we want to highlight some of that impact closer to home, right here in Greater MetroWest.
Amplifying Our Collective Voice
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) serves as the advocacy and public affairs arm of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. By forging relationships with elected representatives, educating and engaging our community, and building coalitions with other political and faith-based groups, JCRC ensures that our collective voice is heard on issues central to our values as Jews and Americans.
In January and July 2024, JCRC organized missions to Israel for New Jersey state legislators and educators. These missions brought together state assembly members, mayors, town council members, school administrators, and key faculty members to witness firsthand the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and to learn about the complex geopolitical situation in Israel.
Participants visited Kibbutz Kfar Aza and Nir Oz, two of the most devasted kibbutzim from the massacres. They met with city officials and those who lost loved ones in Ofakim, and visited the Nova Music Festival site, where 364 Israelis were killed by Hamas. They met with Israeli Jewish and Arab thought leaders, government officials, families of hostages, and other community members to learn about the ongoing trauma in Israeli society.
Upon their return, several legislators sponsored legislation supporting Israel and the US-Israel relationship. One mayor is pursuing a sister city relationship with Ofakim and several school administrators are working closely with Federation to address rising antisemitism in their schools.
Keeping New Jersey Voters Informed
JCRC also recently organized candidate forums to educate the community on key issues, encouraging everyone to take part in the democratic process by educating themselves about the challenges facing our country and, most importantly, by turning out to vote. Voting will help ensure that you and the Jewish community have a crucial voice in shaping national policy and determining the future of our country.
Building Bridges Across Interfaith Communities
Federation’s Interfaith Leaders group has expanded to include Jews, Muslims, Unitarians, Catholics, Presbyterians, Hindus, African-Methodist Episcopalians, Baptists, and other Christians. This diverse group is launching the Be a Good Guest series, where clergy and congregants will celebrate unity and express gratitude while learning to appreciate one another’s houses of worship and unique traditions. Members of the Interfaith Leaders will also be invited to join an Interfaith Clergy mission to Israel in January 2025.
To learn more about our Interfaith initiatives, check out “We’re Not Alone: Discovering Strength in Interfaith Connections” by Stephanie Abrahams.
Learn more about our collective efforts to combat antisemitism in Greater MetroWest here.