Community Relations Council 2.0

We just concluded the Passover season. Many of us gathered together with family and friends, enjoyed delicious foods and retold the Passover story. The Exodus story is understood by many to be the core narrative of the Jewish people. Although there are many essential lessons in this story, at its essence, is one of redemption and justice.

Still, how can we conduct these seders without the reminder of modern-day injustices that we are faced with each day – those occurring right now in our hometowns and cities, our states, our world?

Our Jewish community has a long history of engagement in justice-related causes, and our continued and enhanced involvement is more crucial than ever. Standing with others so no one stands alone is a core value of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, and of Rhode Island’s Jewish community. As a community, we believe that social change is possible and that we must play an integral part in this work.

With this imperative ringing true, the Jewish Alliance’s Community Relations Council (CRC) will relaunch with a special focus on five social justice issues. The CRC also will continue its work serving with other faith communities, fostering dialogue around Israel and building relationships with elected officials and civic leaders. Jewish Alliance Board Chair Mitzi Berkelhammer said, “I am so thrilled to see the exciting rebirth of the Community Relations Council, and how this work will inspire education, action and community-building in our Jewish community.” 

Over the summer and in the early fall of 2018, a group of diverse Jewish community members garnered input and reflected together, selecting the five social justice initiatives to mobilize around: combatting anti-Semitism and hatred; immigrant and refugee rights; climate action; racial justice; and housing discrimination. Each of these issue areas offers a range of opportunities for community involvement.

The graphic, at right, accompanying this article gives more information on the issues. Rich Glucksman, chair of the Community Relations Council, emphasized the need for this work, “In these challenging times, we can play an important role, mobilizing ourselves and engaging with others, based on our Jewish values and ideals, to protect and promote a fair and just society for Jews and non-Jews.”

We cannot work in a silo. In partnership and in coalition with other local organizations, as well as our robust Jewish institutions and leaders already immersed in social justice projects, the Alliance will be an ally to those spearheading work on these issues.

With rising rates of hate-crimes, locally and nationally, and after the horrific events in Pittsburgh, this past October, and the recent  synagogue shooting in Poway, north of San Diego, California, the CRC will continue to focus on mitigating hate through partnership-building, education and relationships with state leaders.

On May 30 at 6:30 p.m., the Jewish Alliance will welcome Anti-Defamation League Regional Director Robert Trestan for a program focused on education and action against anti-Semitism. The program will provide opportunity for reflection, and there will be a panel discussion featuring local leaders who will speak about different types of hate and anti-Semitism.

This is only the beginning of exciting opportunities to make a difference with the Community Relations Council. However, the work will only be successful with the involvement of members of our community. Through advocacy, direct service, education, self-reflection and more, the opportunities are ample.

STEPHANIE HAGUE (shague@jewishallianceri.org) is the director of community relations at the Jewish Alliance of Great Rhode Island. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact her.