Press Releases
JCRC Elects New Officers
June 20th, 2016
The Jewish Community Relations Council is pleased to announce its election of the new officers at its Annual Meeting.
JCRC Community Celebration for Executive Director Rabbi Doug Kahn’s Retirement
June 3rd, 2016
San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council Executive Director Rabbi Doug Kahn is retiring this month after 34 years. JCRC will hold a community celebration in his honor on June 14th.
Joint Statement on Civil Discourse at San Francisco State University
April 8th, 2016
The San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council, the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, and the Jewish Federation of the East Bay and The Jewish Community Foundation strongly condemn efforts by anti-Israel activists to censor respectful dialogue as took place at SFSU earlier this week.
Joint Statement in Support of UC Regents Policy Against Intolerance
March 24th, 2016
The undersigned organizations commend the Regents of the University of California (UC) for today’s adoption of the Working Group’s Report on Principles Against Intolerance. These principles enhance existing policies against bias and discrimination and specifically address the growing and urgent challenge of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry on UC campuses.
Speaking Out Against Bigotry, Racism, and Incitement
March 17th, 2016
Bigotry, racism, incitement to violence and other forms of intolerance and extremism have no place in our society. Left unchecked, they can take root and grow very quickly. From the local environment to our national stage, where we see these forces at work in the presidential election, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) condemns hateful rhetoric and the reverberating threatening and violent actions by individuals.
Joint Statement Condemning Palestinian Terror Attacks
March 9th, 2016
The San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund unequivocally condemn the latest wave of terror violence that struck Israel yesterday.
JCRC Supports Increased Syrian Refugee Admissions and Careful Vetting
November 20th, 2015
JCRC communicated with Bay Area members of Congress its support for an increase in the numbers of Syrian refugees admitted for humanitarian reasons, following careful vetting at a time of increased concern about global security.
Statement of Solidarity with People of France Following Attacks
November 16th, 2015
The Bay Area Jewish community, horrified and outraged by Friday’s deadly terror attacks in Paris, stands united with the people of France and unified in grief with the families of the innocent people who were murdered.
Joint Statement Condemning Terror Attacks in Israel
October 14th, 2015
The Jewish Community Relations Council and the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay today condemned the appalling increase in Palestinian terror attacks in Israel.
JCRC Associate Executive Director Appointed to San Francisco Human Rights Commission
October 7th, 2015
Abigail Michelson Porth, Associate Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), was today appointed to the San Francisco Human Rights Commission (SFHRC) by Mayor Edwin M. Lee at a ceremony in San Francisco City Hall.
Church Desecration Denounced by Coalition of SF Faith Groups
September 2nd, 2015
The San Francisco Interfaith Council, Jewish Community Relations Council, and Islamic Networks Group issued a joint statement following the racially-motivated vandalism of St. Paul’s Tabernacle Baptist Church in San Francisco’s Bay View neighborhood.
JCRC Lead Sponsor for 'Hiring Our Heroes'
August 18th, 2015
JCRC is acting as lead sponsor in support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a Hiring Our Heroes military hiring expo on August 25, 2015.
Joint Statement on the Iran Nuclear Agreement
July 14th, 2015
Joint Statement on the Iran Nuclear Agreement by the Jewish Community Relations Council, the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay, and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley.
JCRC Welcomes Public Affairs and Civic Engagement Director, Announces Staff Redeployment
July 2nd, 2015
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is pleased to announce that Ilana Kaufman has joined JCRC as its first Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE) Director.
Bay Area Jewish Community Responds to Arson Attacks on African-American Churches
June 29th, 2015
The San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, and The Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay released a joint statement today in response to arson attacks at African-American churches.
Bay Area Jewish Community Applauds Today’s Marriage Equality Victory
June 26th, 2015
The San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council and Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund today joined the many voices in the Bay Area and across the nation to enthusiastically applaud the decision of the United States Supreme Court to declare unconstitutional state marriage bans that limited marriage to one man and one woman.
JCRC Stands With Community Under Siege
June 18th, 2015
JCRC today mourns the victims of last night’s horrific shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Church in Charleston, South Carolina. We share our condolences with their families and stand in solidarity with the African American community and AME churches across the nation.
JCRC Elects New Officers
June 10th, 2015
JCRC is pleased to announce that it elected a new slate of officers at its Annual Meeting on June 9, 2015.
JCRC Expresses Deep Concern About Racism in Law Enforcement
May 18th, 2015
JCRC is greatly dismayed by the recent tragedies and the continued racial divide within our society. We stand with the African American community, as we have for generations, in calling for an end to racial prejudice and discrimination.
First San Francisco City Hall Celebration of Jewish Heritage Month May 20
May 1st, 2015
Today is the first day of Jewish American Heritage Month, and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is pleased to announce San Francisco City Hall will host its first-ever celebration of Jewish heritage from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on May 20, 2015.
Speaking Out in Support of the Yezidis
April 15th, 2015
Tragically, the Yezidi community now lives under precarious threat from ISIS. The Yezidis are a little known community, and it is all too easy to forget, to turn the page, to move on. But today we pause, on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, to reaffirm the importance of memory and of action.
JCRC Statement on the Iran Framework Agreement
April 3rd, 2015
JCRC has actively opposed Iran’s nuclear ambitions for years, and continues to believe it is a matter of the utmost urgency. The announcement of a framework deal with Iran regarding its nuclear activities has raised cautious hopes, questions and serious concerns in our community.
San Francisco’s April 19 Observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day—Yom HaShoah—Focuses on Resilience through Creativity
March 31st, 2015
This year’s San Francisco observance of Yom HaShoah, titled Resilience through Creativity, is presented in partnership by the Jewish Family and Children’s Services’ Holocaust Center, Lehrhaus Judaica, the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, and JCRC.
JCRC Remains Committed to Peace Following Israel’s Election
March 20th, 2015
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), which is non-partisan, congratulates the Israeli people on their active participation in Israel’s democracy. The election illustrated the strength of Israel’s democratic system – a common bond Israel and the United States share.
Against the Mainstreaming of Anti-Semitism
February 24th, 2015
The San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, and The Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay released a joint statement today in response to increasing incidents of anti-Semitism globally.
JCRC Condemns Latest Anti-Israel Muni Bus Advertisements: Hateful Message Contradicts Bay Area Values
February 6th, 2015
The Jewish Community Relations Council expressed today how deeply offensive the latest anti-Israel advertisements on San Francisco public buses are to San Francisco values and to the Bay Area Jewish community. The inflammatory message of these ads presents a flagrant misrepresentation of Israel, which is a democracy, and is counterproductive to achieving peace in the Middle East and in our local community.
JCRC to Honor Community Champions at “Behind the Scenes” Celebration
January 29th, 2015
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) will host its annual “Behind the Scenes” celebration to honor San Francisco Bay Area Jewish community champions on February 11, 2015, at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco.
Multifaith Day of Service sends 525 volunteers throughout SM County
January 20th, 2015
The Peninsula Multifaith Day of Service on Martin Luther King Day Monday dispatched 525 volunteers, aged 5 through 85, to a dozen sites throughout San Mateo County to work on 20 different projects.
Joint Statement Regarding the Recent Attacks in Paris
January 9th, 2015
Today, as the worldwide Jewish community enters its weekly observance of the Sabbath, we mourn deeply with the people of France, including the Parisian Jewish community, who are reeling from three days of terror.
UC Grad Student Worker Union Vote Raises Concerns for Academic Freedom and for Jewish and Israeli Students on Campus
December 11th, 2014
The Jewish Community Relations Council, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund and The Jewish Federation & The Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay are very disappointed to learn that UAW 2865 (University of California Graduate Student Worker Union) has passed a resolution to join the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. The BDS movement is anti-peace, working ultimately toward the end of Israel; it does not seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict with an Israeli state and a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace, security and prosperity.
Jewish Groups Applaud President Obama's Steps to Repair Immigration System as Strong First Step
December 8th, 2014
The Bay Area Jewish community commends President Obama’s executive order that begins to address our national immigration system, and his call on Congress to address comprehensive immigration reform.
Statement regarding Ferguson and Staten Island grand jury decisions
December 5th, 2014
Like millions of Americans and observers around the world, we are extremely troubled by the recent events in Ferguson, Staten Island, and Cleveland that have illuminated anew longstanding social and racial divides in the United States. We have progressed profoundly as a nation since the days of slavery, but there is clearly much more work to be done to achieve racial justice and full, equal protection under our civil rights laws. The path to healing our societal wounds is not an easy or obvious one, but it is essential.
JCRC Condemns Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem and Mourns Loss of Innocent Life
November 18th, 2014
We are heartbroken and outraged by the terrorist attack that took place today in Jerusalem. Five Israelis, three of whom had dual American citizenship, were brutally murdered as they peacefully worshiped in Kehilat Bnei Torah synagogue in Jerusalem. There is no justification for attacks against innocent civilians. Our Jewish community mourns the loss of innocent life and our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We are grateful to our interfaith friends who have reached out to us with their sympathy and concern.
JCRC Announces Leadership Transition Plans for 2016- Abby Porth Named to Succeed Rabbi Doug Kahn
November 12th, 2014
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) today announced that long-time Executive Director Rabbi Doug Kahn has decided to retire in July 2016. The Board of Directors has appointed current Associate Executive Director Abigail Michelson Porth to succeed him in this leadership post.
Jewish Community Condemns Offensive Anti-Islam Muni Bus Ads
October 16th, 2014
JCRC is deeply offended by the recently unveiled advertisements on San Francisco public buses that promote an extreme and hateful anti-Muslim agenda. These ads imply that Islam itself is evil and that to be a devout follower of the faith is to be violent. This inflammatory message is not welcome on our buses, in our City or anywhere else.
Oakland Port protest fueled by extremism, alienates our community
August 14th, 2014
This past weekend, demonstrators turned out at the Port of Oakland with the offensive and polarizing message that “Zionism is not welcome on our coast”. This was an overt expression of extremism, extremism that is alienating to the vast majority of Bay Area citizens including our community and has no place on our coast or anywhere else.
JCRC Mourns Killing of Michael Brown, Condemns Violence and Racism
August 14th, 2014
We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic killing of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old from Ferguson, Missouri who was unarmed when he was shot and killed by a policeman earlier this week. Our hearts and prayers are with the Brown family during this difficult time.
Bay Area Jewish Community Stands with Israel
July 9th, 2014
As more than 3.5 million people living in southern and central Israel once again face continuous rocket attacks from Gaza, we extend our solidarity and support for the people of Israel and pray for their safety during this difficult time.
Bay Area Jewish Community Responds to Murder of Palestinian Teen
July 2nd, 2014
We are heartbroken to learn that a Palestinian teenager, Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir, was kidnapped and brutally murdered in Jerusalem less than a day after Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrah were laid to rest. Jewish tradition teaches that all human beings are created in the image of G-d and are precious.
Bay Area Jewish Community Mourns Murder of Naftali, Eyal and Gilad
June 30th, 2014
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we mourn the murder of Naftali Fraenkel, 16, Gilad Shaar, 16, and Eyal Yifrah, 19, who were kidnapped on Thursday, June 12. Their bodies were found in the West Bank town of Halhul, located north of Hebron.
Presbyterian Resolution is Offense to Israel and Blow to Our Community
June 26th, 2014
We were deeply disheartened and saddened to learn that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church voted to divest from three American companies that do business with Israel. The biased resolution, which passed by an extremely narrow margin in the General Assembly, is an offense to Israel and a blow to our community; the choice to divest from Israel comes at the expense of investing in peace and in the Church’s longstanding relationship with the mainstream American Jewish community.
JCRC Condemns Kidnapping, Supports Israeli Efforts to Bring Teens Home
June 16th, 2014
We were deeply saddened to learn of the abduction of three Israeli teenagers, who were kidnapped in the West Bank. Our thoughts are with them and their families, and we hope the Palestinian leadership and security forces will cooperate fully with Israeli authorities to ensure that they are returned to their families speedily and unharmed.
Bay Area Jewish Community Lauds Human Rights Commission’s Resolve to Allocate MTA Funds to Address Anti-Semitism
September 3rd, 2013
The JCRC, ADL and AJC commend HRC decision to use proceeds from destructive bus ads toward constructive discourse.
Jewish Community Relations Council Convenes Town Hall in Support of Russian LGBT People Facing State-Sponsored Oppression
August 28th, 2013
JCRC holds meeting for LGBT and human rights leaders at San Francisco LGBT Community Center to discuss proactive ways to help and support the Russian LGBT community.
Jewish Community Relations Council Convenes Town Hall in Support of Russian LGBT People Facing State-Sponsored Oppression
June 26th, 2013
JCRC Supports Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 8 in California and Defense of Marriage Act; This is a Historic Day for Civil Rights and Equality in the United States.
Jewish Leaders, Community Members Call on Senator Feinstein to Support Family Reunification in Immigration Policy
June 17th, 2013
Jewish Community Sends Clear Message to Senator Dianne Feinstein: Home is Where Your Family Is, Help Us Keep Families Together.
Bay Area Jewish Community Condemns Deceptive Apartheid Ads on Muni Buses
May 9th, 2013
The JCRC, ADL and AJC strongly condemn morally reprehensible ad's deceitful claim Israel engages in apartheid policies.
Bay Area Jewish Community Disappointed in ASUC President Decision not to Veto BDS Bill
April 24th, 2013
JCRC and AJC disappointed that despite commendable community efforts, harmful Berkeley BDS bill was not overturned.
The Bay Area Jewish Community Condemns Anti-Muslim Muni Bus Ads
March 11th, 2013
JCRC condemns inflammatory anti-Muslim bus ads appearing on MUNI transportation today.
Court Removes Circumcision Ban from the Ballot Plaintiffs, activists laud court decision
July 31st, 2011
San Francisco - The California Superior Court ruled today that the initiative to ban circumcision will be removed from San FranciscoÕs November ballot...
The Jewish Community Relations Council Condemns Jerusalem Bombing Attack
March 23rd, 2011
San Francisco - The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) strongly condemns today's vicious bomb attack against Israeli civilians in Jerusalem....
JCRC and Bay Area Community Statement on the Arizona Shooting
January 14th, 2011
Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of those who lost their lives and were injured in the tragic, brutal and murderous attack in Tucson, Arizona...
Families light the path to justice and speak out for marriage equality
December 3rd, 2010
Families, youth, and people of faith will lead the call for marriage equality at a special Chanukah candlelighting ceremony...
The Jewish Community Relations Council opposes a biased and divisive resolution related to the Gaza Flotillas to be introduced at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
June 15th, 2010
The San Francisco based Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, Sonoma, Alameda and Contra Costa counties, which represents over seventy synagogues and Jewish organizations, strongly opposes the resolution "Freedom Flotilla and Gaza Blockade" being introduced to the Board of Supervisors today, Tuesday, June 15, 2010, by Supervisor John Avalos.
Statement on the Gaza Flotilla Tragedy
May 31st, 2010
The Jewish Community Relations Council, the public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community, issued the following statement in the wake of today's terrible incident at sea: The JCRC is profoundly saddened by the loss of life in this incident. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the dead and wounded.
Bay Area Jewish Agencies Jointly Condemn Criminal Acts Against Rabbi Lerner's Home
May 4th, 2010
The Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Northern California Board of Rabbis, and the Jewish Federation of the East Bay join together to condemn the vandalism of Rabbi Michael Lerner's home in Berkeley, California this week...
Jewish Community of the Bay Area joins national statement condemning the passage of Arizona SB 1070 into law, calls for a national push for comprehensive immigration reform
April 30th, 2010
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties, representing over 70 Bay Area Jewish organizations and synagogues, joined six other JCRCs and over 50 other Jewish community organizations from around the country in sending a letter to the White House, Congress, and Arizona officials condemning the passage of Arizona law SB 1070: Immigration, Law Enforcement, and Safe Neighborhoods Act on April 23, 2010, and calling for comprehensive immigration reform...
Interfaith Statement on Fort Hood Atrocity
November 9th, 2009
The atrocity that took place on November 5 at Fort Hood, is a tragedy that has undoubtedly brought sadness, anger, and grief to many of our brothers and sisters...
Institute for Curriculum Services Named One of North America's Most Innovative Jewish Nonprofits
October 16th, 2009
San Francisco, CA - The Institute for Curriculum Services: National Resource Center for Accurate Jewish Content in Schools (ICS) has been named one of the nation's 50 most innovative Jewish nonprofits in Slingshot '09-'10, a resource guide for Jewish innovation...
JCRC Moves Interfaith Community Leaders Toward a Greater Understanding of the Green Economy
October 13th, 2009
San Francisco, CA - "Fighting Poverty with Faith" is a national interfaith mobilization from October 14-21, 2009. The Jewish Community Relations Council is spearheading the local mobilization in partnership with the California Interfaith Power and Light, the Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay, Jewish Vocational Services, Solar Richmond, and Green For All...
JCRC Mourns the Loss of Teens Murdered at Tel Aviv LGBT Center
August 2nd, 2009
San Francisco, CA - The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties condemns the attack on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the Aguda: The Israeli Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association in Tel Aviv, Israel, during a teen support group meeting...
JCRC Supports Israel's Efforts to Stop Gaza Rocket Attacks
December 29th, 2008
San Francisco - The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) stands with Israel in its military response to continued unprovoked rocket and mortar shell attacks from Gaza threatening the lives of Israeli civilians...
JCRC Expresses Sorrow and Stands in Solidarity with the People of India
December 1st, 2008
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) expressed horror at the November 26th terrorist attack in Mumbai, which injured hundreds and killed more than 150 innocent people...
Institute for Curriculum Services Statement on The Trouble With Textbooks: Distorting History and Religion
September 25th, 2008
ICS commends Gary Tobin and Dennis Ybarra on this probing book, which examines the inaccuracies and biases commonly found in American social studies textbooks...
Hezbollah Prisoner Exchange
July 16th, 2008
JCRC extends its deepest sympathies to the families of fallen Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev...
Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage
May 15th, 2008
The JCRC has a historic commitment to civil rights, social justice, and compassion...
Jewish Refugees from Arab Countries
April 1st, 2008
We believe that this Resolution will produce a more balanced and accurate historical account, and ultimately, a more just resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict...
Terror Attack in Jerusalem
March 7th, 2008
From Sderot to Israel's capital, Jerusalem, Israelis must be given the chance to live peacefully in their homes and in their schools...
Loss of Congressman Tom Lantos
February 11th, 2008
Congressman Tom Lantos' career modeled the ideals of public service. He brought great humanity to the halls of Congress...
Neo-Nazi Vandalism of Gay Memorial in San Francisco
January 11th, 2008
The desecration of the memorial with Nazi symbols is deeply offensive to the Jewish community...