For over half a century, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) has served as an effective mechanism to identify issues, formulate policy, develop strategies and programs, and has given expression to a strongly united Jewish communal voice. The JCPA has a unique position and structure. Through our network of 13 national and 122 local equal and independent partner agencies (usually called Community Relations Councils), the JCPA serves as a catalyst that heightens community awareness, encourages civic and social involvement, and deliberates key issues of importance to the Jewish community. (See our website for a list of member agencies.)
JCPA’s mandate is two-fold:
- to safeguard the rights of Jews here in the United States, in Israel, and around the world; and, in order to accomplish that,
- to protect, preserve, and promote a just American society, one that is democratic and pluralistic.
In 2004, the United Jewish Communities and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs created the UJC/JCPA Israel Advocacy Initiative (IAI), a national, comprehensive, strategic approach to Israel Advocacy.
The IAI is founded on two fundamental principles: first, that continued U.S. government and public support is vital for Israel’s security and well-being; and second, that federations and CRCs play a distinctive and crucial role in advancing community based Israel advocacy, which is critical to ensuring support for Israel. One of the major focuses of the IAI is strengthening community-campus partnerships.
Local community relations committees (most are part of the local Federation) provide resources to campuses including:
Speakers/educational materials
Briefings with visiting Israeli officials
Pro-Israel advocacy training
Outreach to Jewish faculty
Support for events
Student involvement in community task forces
The UJC/JCPA Israel advocacy Initiative works with CRCs and Federations to help provide resources to campus.
Visit our Web site for a complete listing of all local community relations committees.
For more information:
Martine Katz
Campus and Programs Coordinator
JCPA/UJC Israel Advocacy Initiative
Telephone: 646-525-3604
Email: Mkatz@thejcpa.org
Web site: http://www.jewishpublicaffairs.org