What's on Our Mind 8-6-2021

What's On Our Mind ...
 
This week, we honor women making a difference.
 
Deborah Lipstadt
We welcome President Joe Biden's nomination of Deborah Lipstadt as U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. JAC was honored to have Deborah as our guest speaker at our Washington, DC Conference and on policy calls with JAC members. Each time we had the privilege to speak with Deborah, we became better informed. Deborah has dedicated her life to fighting antisemitism and debunking Holocaust falsehoods. She will bring urgency and passion to this important role.
 
Tiffany Haddish
Thanks to our generous sponsors and attendees from across the country, JAC’s virtual Power of Women event was a success. The event helped raise funds to support our candidates. Our guest speaker, Tiffany Haddish, made us laugh and cry. As Tiffany told us, “when you’re laughing, you’re healing. It’s a cleansing sound. Your soul is tickled.” During these difficult days, we were so grateful to laugh together. Tiffany’s personal story and her work to improve the lives of foster children inspire each of us to work harder to make a difference. A special thank you to this year's co-chairs - Lori Friend, Adam Sher, and Jamie Sher for working to make the event such a success.
 
Shontel Brown (OH-11)
In a major win, JAC-backed candidate Democrat Shontel Brown won the OH-11 primary Tuesday night. This gave JAC our first victory this cycle. JAC supported Shontel and helped virtually with her GOTV efforts. Her opponent would have undermined the US-Israel relationship and efforts to fight BDS. Shontel will also be a strong advocate on JAC’s other issues.
 
Thoughts from Jami Silverman, Outgoing Senior Fellow
This past spring and summer, it has been my honor to join JAC as an intern and become enmeshed in the wonderful, inspirational, diligent, and selfless community of JAC. As a recent college graduate, it is easy to feel discouraged from the world we are now a part of. Too often I have heard the question “what’s even the point?” JAC has reenergized me and showed me that there is hope for change and justice with political activism — even if reaching those victories takes time. I am grateful for the opportunities JAC offered me. I look forward to contributing to their mission for years to come.