JAC strongly condemns the hateful comments made by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
We may differ on ideas and policies, but we must be united - Republicans and Democrats - to ensuring religious freedoms for all. Racial and religious bigotry has absolutely no place in our political arena and only serves to weaken the fabric of our country.
At JAC, we are united with the Jewish community in our fervent desire to see the threat from a nuclear-Iran eliminated through diplomatic means. The U.S. has always had a strong commitment to Israel's security, a goal that has always united the two countries. As Congress reviews the details of the deal, it is important they remain committed to maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, free from partisanship and that discussions are "rigorous and fact based."
Today's Supreme Court ruling will continue to improve the quality of life for millions of women and families. By ensuring that everyone in our country has access to basic health care, including reproductive care, cancer screenings, mammograms, and family planning services, we are ensuring a basic right in our country.
December 4, 2014
November 18, 2014
Statement on the Jerusalem Synagogue Attacks
JAC is appalled by the terrorist attacks at a Jerusalem synagogue that claimed the lives of five people -- including three Americans and one Canadian, who held Israeli citizenship -- and left other victims wounded during morning services. We stand with President Obama and the Administration condemning this violence in the strongest manner. We are united with Israel and Canada in our grief. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured. May their memory be a blessing.
These violent attacks will never advance the cause of peace, nor will they stop those dedicated to reaching it.
September 30, 2013
Women's Health Issues Have No Place in Budget Negotiations
JAC thanks you for your continued support of women's health choices.
The House passed a bill on Saturday, 231-192, to delay implementing much of the Affordable Care Act for a year. The measure also allowed employers and insurers to opt out of providing health care services they find morally or religiously objectionable, including contraception, abortion, screenings for cervical cancer, and sexually transmitted infections.
JAC strongly objects to this discriminatory measure, which specifically targets women and women's health. Simply put, a vote for this bill was a vote against women.
On behalf of the JAC national membership, a letter was sent to those Representatives who voted against the measure thanking them for supporting women's reproductive rights during this tumultuous time.
The World's Red Line Has Been Crossed
JAC stands with President Obama, recognizing that the use of chemical weapons in Syria must end. In August, nearly 1,400 Syrian people were killed and more injured by the regime’s use of these weapons. These atrocities are a material breach of international norms, including the Geneva Protocol of 1925, which prohibits the use of chemical weapons. The evidence overwhelmingly points to the Assad regime's responsibility for these atrocities.
August 15, 2013 – Chicago, IL – U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL) led a roundtable discussion this week, hosted by Roey Gilad, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, about the U.S./Israel relationship. Local leaders from several organizations that focus on global affairs and the U.S./Israel relationship were in attendance, including JACPAC President, Janna Berk, and JACPAC Executive Director, Marcia Balonick.
The discussion included remarks by Schneider regarding his recent trip to Israel as part of a group of freshman members of Congress. The annual trip, sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation, is intended to help educate political leaders and influentials about the importance of the U.S./Israel relationship through firsthand experiences in Israel, briefings by experts on Middle East affairs, and meetings with Israeli political elite.
This year’s trip included the largest delegation of freshmen Representatives ever, out of 37 Congressmen in attendance, 31 were freshmen. The group was led by Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), who has participated in the trip for 13 years.
Schneider has actually been to Israel 14 times, this was his second trip there in 2013. He has always been a strong supporter of Israel and of the U.S./Israel relationship.
Being there in person shows Israel through a different, more personal lens, Schneider explained. It is important for people who make decisions about U.S. involvement to understand the proximity to danger. During the trip, Schneider and the others stood on four of the five borders of the country. No border in Israel is safe: At every border there is concern that Israel will face defending itself – there are profound threats all around. For example, there are 87,000 rockets in Lebanon aimed at Israel. The group did not go to the Egyptian border.
Schneider also discussed the Peace Process now under way. He said that while expectations remain low, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is extremely highly regarded in Israel and elsewhere, especially in terms of how he is handling the talks. Kerry has said he would listen and try to allow both sides to be heard, and leaders on both sides have indicated Kerry is succeeding at this pledge.
Other organizations participating in the roundtable included AIPAC, AJC, The Chicago Council on Global Affaris, the Hellenic American Leadership Council, J Street Chicago, Jewish National Fund, and Jewish United Federation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JAC POWER OF WOMEN LUNCHEON 2013
Special guest Kerry Kennedy, President of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights gave keynote address; JAC honored Wendy Mills Abrams, longtime JAC member and environmental advocate.
June 10, 2013 - Chicago, IL - The energy in the room was palpable at the third-annual JAC Power of Women Luncheon Thursday, where 400 women, and a few good men, gathered to celebrate women’s leadership and advocacy on JAC’s core issues: U.S.-Israel relations, women’s reproductive rights and the separation of religion and state.
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