BRIEFING ROOM

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WHAT'S ON OUR MIND

FREE THE HOSTAGES. DELIVER MORE AID.

August 1, 2025

Over nearly three years, we have watched with anguish as families waited in torment for the release of hostages held in Gaza. We have mourned with those who lost loved ones in Hamas’s brutal October 7th attacks and have stood firmly behind Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism and growing threats from Iran.

While much of the world rushed to condemn Israel, we remained resolute, continuing to demand the return of every hostage and working to ensure Israel receives the vital security assistance it needs from the United States.

At the same time, we cannot turn away from the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Our Jewish values compel us to speak out. Aid must flow, and it must reach those who need it most. The suffering of innocent civilians does not contradict our commitment to Israel; it underscores it.

Let's be clear: both things can and must happen simultaneously. More than 664 days after the attacks, at least 50 hostages still remain in captivity, held in inhumane, life-threatening conditions without adequate food, medicine, or care. Their immediate release is non-negotiable.

Free the hostages. Deliver more aid. These goals are not in conflict.

Calling for humanitarian assistance does not diminish our unwavering support for the State of Israel or its people. Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East, and its strength is vital to our own national security. Preserving and protecting our Jewish homeland is paramount to our values. Expressing difficult truths, even to our closest friends, is not a sign of weakness or betrayal; rather, it is a mark of a deep, enduring partnership.

Aid must be delivered safely and responsibly, ensuring it reaches civilians without endangering Israeli lives or empowering Hamas. We can, and must, continue to fight for the complete elimination of Hamas, the release of every hostage, and the protection of innocent lives.

Since our founding over 40 years ago, JAC has been dedicated to electing candidates who support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and recognize the importance of a Jewish homeland. That mission has never been more urgent.

WHAT'S ON OUR MIND

THE JAC EZ READ: OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

LIZZIE IS IN TROUBLE, AND SO ARE WE

Texas Republicans are rushing to redraw congressional maps to oust Rep. Lizzie Fletcher and four other Democrats—undermining voting rights and threatening democracy. Their plan targets minority voters and is part of a national GOP effort to rig the 2026 election. JAC is fighting back.

JAC

Jul 25

One of JAC’s core principles is safeguarding the separation of church and state.

JOHNSON WAS RIGHT.

One of JAC’s core principles is safeguarding the separation of church and state. When we were founded over 40 years ago, the rise of the Christian right in the Republican Party increasingly threatened religious freedom, especially for the Jewish community. We've always supported candidates who believe that religious beliefs should never control public policy.

JAC

Jul 22

Bold white text on an orange background reads “END GUN VIOLENCE.”

WEAR ORANGE, BUT DO MORE

Each year on June 6th, we wear orange to honor Hadiya Pendleton and all victims of gun violence — but wearing orange isn't enough. As Trump rolls back life-saving policies and caters to the gun lobby, the need for action has never been more urgent. We must elect leaders who will stand up for public safety.

JAC

Jun 6

CAUTION: A SLIPPERY SLOPE

Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy—transactional and self-serving—has undermined the U.S.-Israel relationship. By sidelining Israel in key regional decisions, he’s weakened trust and emboldened adversaries. As we celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, JAC’s mission to elect pro-Israel candidates is more urgent than ever. We must raise our voices and ensure Congress keeps this vital alliance strong.

JAC

May 16

A U.S. Senator from Illinois speaks at a podium

MY PERSONAL PATH WITH DICK DURBIN

Executive Director Hollis Wein reflects on first campaigning for Dick Durbin in 1982 as a University of Illinois student—learning that every vote counts—then serving as his primary press secretary during his first Senate race. Reconnecting through JAC over the years, she thanks him for inspiring her lifelong commitment to public service.

JAC

Apr 26