We Are
JCRC JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL

JCRC Bay Area envisions an inclusive Jewish community where people from across the political spectrum can meaningfully discuss challenging topics, and inspire and empower one another, leading to a stronger and more vital Jewish community. Launched in 2011, the Year of Civil Discourse (YCD) Initiative was designed to elevate the level of discourse when discussing… Continue reading Civil Discourse

The Jewish American community has benefited from a strong and healthy democracy because democratic systems and norms provide proven protection against the discriminations that too often target racial, religious and ethnic minority communities. But those systems that have provided us haven are currently under duress. These challenges have been thrown into sharp relief by current… Continue reading Democracy Initiative

JCRC has served for decades as the largest collective voice of Bay Area Jews, advocating for policies in pursuit of a more just world where Jewish identity is embraced and all people thrive. JCRC relentlessly advocates for legislation advancing Jewish inclusion in civic life and public education, reversing the rise in antisemitism, and ensuring community… Continue reading Legislative Agenda

Bay Area Network of Jewish Officials (BANJO) is a partnership between JCRC Bay Area and Jewish elected officials from our area. Active since 2021, BANJO was formally launched on November 21, 2022. At the time of its official launch date, BANJO already included more than 50 Jewish elected officials from across the nine counties of… Continue reading Bay Area Network of Jewish Officials

Invest in Peace is an initiative to support the self-determination of Palestinians and Israelis, dedicated to championing efforts on the ground that move these societies towards a shared future of coexistence and prosperity. We believe that the best way to end violence in the Middle East is to help create people-to-people partnerships among Palestinians and… Continue reading Invest in Peace

JCRC’s education initiative ensures fair and equitable treatment for Jewish—and all students—in our K-12 public schools. JCRC does this by investing in building relationships with district leadership that will lead to positive long-term outcomes for Jewish families. When antisemitism encroaches into educational spaces, JCRC acts, helping to create inclusive classrooms where Jewish students feel safe… Continue reading Education Initiative

JCRC launched “Here I Am” in 2021 to amplify the diverse voices of Bay Area Jews and increase public recognition of how the recent surge in antisemitism affects our community. Through grassroots storytelling videos, press conferences, and social media, we seek to bring to light our personal experiences with antisemitism, promote positive Jewish identity, and… Continue reading Here I Am

The Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL) was created to foster a society where all children can read & have the tools they need to reach their full potential. Inspired by Jewish values of social justice and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), JCL mobilizes volunteer tutors of all backgrounds and supports parents and organizations to help struggling… Continue reading Jewish Coalition for Literacy

For over 20 years, the JCRC Bay Area Israel Seminars have brought more than 300 rising stars in government and civic leadership – people who often go on to become household names, like U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed. On our trip, these community leaders and… Continue reading Israel Seminars