JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL

Community relations - schedule o.community relations - each year the jcrc provides hundreds of free presentations in public schools, churches, and other non-jewish civic groups on israel, judaism, security, antisemitism, and the lessons of the holocaust. Similarly, through our annual trip to the united states holocaust memorial museum in washington, d.c. For students, teachers, and law enforcement, the jcrc provides an essential community relations service in teaching the importance of tolerance and remembering the victims of the holocaust. Likewise, our delegations to israel bring together state legislators and other community leaders from largely outside the jewish community for a once in a lifetime educational and travel opportunity. Finally, the jcrc is proud to be the jewish representative within the joint religious legislative coalition (jrlc) where we come together with our catholic, protestant, and muslim community partners to work for the common good.

Twin cities jewish community government affairs programinitiated in 2001 and generously funded by the minneapolis jewish federation and the st. Paul jewish federation, the twin cities jewish community government affairs program (jgap) represents the interests of the twin cities jewish community before the federal, state, and local governments. Since its inception, jgap has successfully advocated for millions of dollars in government funds to support vulnerable minnesotans.speakers bureauour dedicated staff and volunteers gave 330 presentations this past year, making the jcrc speakers bureau one of the most active grassroots programs of its kind in the american jewish community. Our audiences include organizations such as churches, schools, synagogues, and civic groups. Our work has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as a best practice. The primary presentations are:judaism on one foot: an introduction to jewish peoplehood, beliefs and practicewho are jews? What makes judaism unique among the world's religions? What does it mean to be both a religion and a people? We cover the beliefs, values, and religious traditions upon which jewish peoplehood and faith are based. This program covers the common roots of the 3 abrahamic faiths, introduction to torah, holidays, ritual objects, ethical principles, connection to israel, jewish diversity, life cycle events, diet and more.understanding jewish identity and antisemitism todayhow do jews understand their individual and collective identities? What is antisemitism, and how is it both similar and different from other forms of prejudice? What are the harms that jewish people are experiencing today? How does antisemitism threaten our democracy? Explore these and other questions in a session that provides space for questions, discussion, and suggestions for how to be an ally. Living testimony from the holocaustthe holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million jews by the nazi regime, its allies, and collaborators. Our holocaust education presentations are offered by survivors, second generation or third generation community members who represent their family's story, sharing their experience during the war and the larger historical context.israel and the jewish storylearn about a place that requires you to grapple with complexity. Why is israel central to the jewish story? Why is it important to all the abrahamic faiths? Gain understanding for how the modern state came to be and for the diverse people who are the israelis. As well, explore what happened in israel on october 7, 2023, and its ongoing impact. A trip to post-october 7th israeltold through pictures, learn the stories of 5 israelis from that day and in the time since, told by someone who knows and loves them.making sense of the middle eastdesigned to help participants grasp the realities of the middle east with clarity and empathy, this talk explores the overarching narratives of both israeli and palestinian societies, israel's central role in jewish identity, the rise in global antisemitism, and the difficulties of making sense of this often-misunderstood region.best safety & security practices for houses of worship and faith based community centerslearn best practices in protecting your people and property including combatting active threats, first aid/stop the bleed, behavioral detection and cyber safety. Israel education and engagementthe jcrc advocates for peace and security for israel through education, connection, and community action. Our staff, board, and volunteers strive to foster understanding and conversation about israel's accomplishments and its challenges.israel education and engagement initiatives include: - advocating for a strong u.s.-israel relationship with our elected officials; - building and sustaining support for israel in non-jewish communities; - ensuring that media coverage of the middle east is fair and accurate; - organizing study tours to israel for minnesota state legislators and other community leaders; - educating, organizing and energizing the jewish community by developing and deepening ties to israelis; and - combatting the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement which seeks to delegitimize israel's existence.justice squared commission the justice squared commission works in partnership with the jcrc public policy steering committee to gather community input, recommend policy proposals to the public policy steering committee, and execute programming consistent with our legislative, social justice, and public policy missions. The commission also partners with the joint religious legislative coalition (jrlc) on advocacy initiatives.