Jewish Council for Public Affairs

"Multiple things can be true at the same time. We're facing real antisemitism....That doesn't mean that the very real fears & pains of the Jewish community should be exploited to undercut civil liberties, rule of law, and our democratic values." - Amy Spitalnick on MSNBC

The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights—Jewish students' best recourse against antisemitism—just had its staff cut by half. At a time of historic antisemitism and a growing backlog of cases, this means even fewer protections for Jewish students when they need them most. ? https://lnkd.in/gHg-HJhZ

JCPA CEO Amy Spitalnick in today's The New York Times on the ICE arrest of Mahmoud Khalil. Antisemitism on campus is real and it is unacceptable. Undermining the rule of law and our core democratic norms in the name of countering antisemitism only makes Jews and all communities less safe. Read our full statement on the Trump admin's antisemitism executive order: "It is both possible and necessary to directly confront and address the crisis of antisemitism, on campus and across our communities, without abandoning the fundamental democratic values that have allowed Jews – and so many others – to thrive here." https://lnkd.in/gaQ5_XAe

Proud to share that our CEO, Amy Spitalnick, has joined the Board of the The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. JCPA proudly co-founded LCCHR in 1950, and we are grateful to partner today with Maya Wiley and this critical coalition in the fight for justice and democracy.

As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, our Jewish values demand that we continue to fight for our inclusive, pluralistic democracy and civil rights for all. We honor the legacy of Selma by urging Congress to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act – reintroduced just this week to restore and strengthen the critical federal voting rights protections that our forebears fought so hard for. Take action: https://lnkd.in/gpeGHt5E

Our CEO Amy Spitalnick in JTA on how far-right extremism has moved from the fringes to the mainstream in recent years - and how Jewish safety and values demand that we defend democracy. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gf8jSbRN

At today’s Senate Judiciary hearing on antisemitism, Senator Durbin read our statement - led by JCPA and the Reform & Conservative movements and signed by 100+ Jewish orgs - making clear that Jewish safety is inextricably linked with a strong, inclusive democracy. ? Read the full statement: https://lnkd.in/gGn5RAWM

Democracy is under attack, and voter suppression remains one of the extremists’ most powerful weapons. Today, as Rep. Terri Sewell reintroduces the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, we’re reminded that protecting the right to vote is more urgent than ever. The Jewish community knows that our safety is tied to the rights and freedoms of all. Without the Voting Rights Act, which was allowed to expire after years of bipartisan support, we’ve seen dangerous attacks on ballot access rooted in bigotry and conspiracy theories. This bill would restore critical protections and ensure every American has the right to vote. ?? TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to support the #JohnLewisVRAA? https://lnkd.in/gpeGHt5E

Event Announcement: Antisemitism, Democracy, and Building an Inclusive America Join us for an important conversation on March 12 at 7 p.m. ET at Adat Shalom Synagogue (29901 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills, Michigan). Our CEO Amy Spitalnick will join University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker ?to discuss the rise of antisemitism and its impact on our democracy. From campus to politics to violent extremism, we’ll explore the urgent need to build strong coalitions to safeguard our communities and uphold democratic values. Antisemitism poses a threat not only to the Jewish community but to the safety and rights of all Americans. And when democracy is weakened, hate and extremism take further root. To register, visit adatshalom.org/democracy.

As we mark #WomensHistoryMonth this year, we not only celebrate the powerful and transformative contributions of women throughout history, but also acknowledge the alarming rise in attacks on women's rights. These assaults are not just an attack on women—they are an attack on our democracy, our freedoms, and the safety of us all.