Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, AZ

Leadership transition at the?JCRC?of Greater?Phoenix After six years as the Executive Director of the?Jewish Community Relations Council?of Greater?Phoenix, and after having led the organization from success to success, Paul Rockower is stepping down at the end of January 2025. During Paul’s time at the?JCRC, the organization has grown substantially in scope and influence. The?JCRC?has built and strengthened bridges with communities representing other faiths and cultures, within the Greater?Phoenix?area. Paul also led efforts to change the tone of coverage of Jewish-related issues in local media, awareness of antisemitism and security concerns through public policy, and built bridges to local and state-wide elected officials, both Jewish and non-Jewish. The?JCRC?has also enhanced the safety of the Jewish community, and other vulnerable communities, through its work in helping secure the Arizona Non-Profit Security Grant program, and through close ties with Federal, state, and local law enforcement. Alan Zeichick, Board Chair, said, “We are grateful for Paul’s service to the Jewish community of Greater?Phoenix, and to all the people of Arizona. He truly took the?JCRC?from a small start-up into one of the best known Jewish organizations here, both within the Jewish community and to our many partners and allies across Arizona. He will be missed by so many people here, and we all wish him well in his next chapter.” Paul Rockower, Executive Director, said, “I am so proud of the award-winning work the?JCRC?has done over the last six years to help protect and safeguard the Jewish community and other vulnerable communities across Arizona. We have done some of the most strategic, innovative and effective work to combat rising antisemitism and extremism.” His departure comes following a difficult year prior for Paul and his family that was marked with family emergency and loss. Paul is moving back east to be closer to his family. In February,?JCRC?shall begin a national search for its next Executive Director.? Beginning February 1, Amanda Garcia, currently Associate Director, will serve as Interim Director. Under Amanda’s leadership, the?JCRC’s ongoing work and plans for innovative new projects will evolve throughout 2025. The daily portfolio of the?JCRC?includes building interfaith bridges, fighting antisemitism and extremism, working to safeguard the Jewish community and other vulnerable communities in Arizona, and advocating for Israel. In addition, the?JCRC?seeks support for public policy that protects the rights of the Jewish community and other minority and disadvantaged communities in Arizona. The organization also serves as the press office for the Jewish community in Greater?Phoenix. For more information about the?JCRC, please contact Amanda Garcia, incoming Interim Director, at?[email protected].?Questions about the leadership transition should be directed to Alan Zeichick, Board Chair, at?[email protected].