Contact Judy Alperin, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven
(203) 387-2424 x231 | [email protected]
JCRC Co-Chairs: Betty & Arthur Levy
2021 Virtual Mission to Washington
This February, 15 members of the Greater New Haven Jewish community joined delegates from across the United States for the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) first-ever Virtual Mission to Washington, DC.
The goal of the mission was to allow participants to hear from political leaders and policymakers who will fight anti-Semitism, ensure a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, and make the case for government resources to keep communal institutions flourishing and provide for the vulnerable, such as Holocaust survivors. Additional focus was given to anti-Semitism and Holocaust education, as well as the need for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant program, which has benefitted organizations and synagogues within the Greater New Haven community.
Attendees were also among the first in the nation to virtually meet with members of the new administration and bi-partisan Congressional leaders, such as Congressmen Meeks and McCaul, who head up the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Senator Portman and Congressman Thompson, leads on nonprofit security to advocate for the priorities of the Jewish community. “I was so impressed with the large assortment of legislators from both sides of the aisle,” reflected Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven CEO Judy Alperin. “It all felt so accessible, even remotely.”
The highlight for many in the New Haven delegation, though, came during the February 2 session, “What to Expect in the First 100 Days,” which saw New Haven’s own Rosa DeLauro in her new role as House Appropriations Chair introduced by Alperin. “No one ever holds a candle to our Rosa — who steals the floor every time!" remarked attendee Nan Birdwhistell. "I went in person years ago, and found it a phenomenal opportunity to hear key (often Jewish) Congressional representatives speak on a huge range of issues of importance to our life — from Israel, to civil rights in the US, to efforts to raise all citizens up. This year's Virtual Mission provided even greater opportunities to participate, and I highly recommend anyone who can participate in future Federation Virtual Missions to Washington do so."
Session Recordings
What to Expect in the First 100 Days
The first hundred days of any new Congress and Administration are about agenda setting and defining a policy vision. Hear from those driving the agenda – from pandemic relief to justice and inclusion – and get a sense of what will happen in the first hundred days and where they see opportunities for building consensus.
David Golder, Chair Domestic Policy & Government Affairs, JFNA
Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)
Introducer: Jennifer Steinberg, JCRC Chair, Jewish Federation of Delaware
House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
Moderator: Judy Alperin, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven
House Appropriations Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX)
Introducer: Harold Gernsbacher, Treasurer, JFNA Board of Trustees
Chair House Democratic Caucus Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
Moderator: Jill Deutch
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA)
Moderator: Kevin Pailet
American Jews & Civic Engagement
Participating actively in American democracy has been a core part of the American Jewish experience. How do American Jews today connect being Jewish and engaging civically? Join us in conversation about how American Jews today understand the connection between their Jewishness and their American citizenship and how they reflect on their responsibility to contribute to the vitality of American democracy.
U.S. Leadership for Israel's Security
America has led efforts on the world stage to ensure Israel’s security and promote its acceptance in the community of nations. Hear from leaders who have helped promote Israel’s right to exist and ensure that American Jews’ right to identify as pro-Israel and Zionist remains sacrosanct.
Meet the Freshmen
Meet a representative group of new Congressional members. While they have diverse backgrounds and perspectives, they share a common sense of urgency to make Congress work for the American people.
Strategies and Resources for Protecting the Jewish Community
Antisemitic attacks, domestic violent extremism, and online incitement have hit historical highs, and the federal government remains concerned that domestic violent extremists will continue to pose a lethal threat to faith-based communities, particularly the Jewish community. Together, we can build more allies in Congress to help ensure that our community has the resources it needs to protect against and respond to these horrific trends.
A Lifeline for Communities: COVID Relief, Human Services & Healthcare
Through successive COVID-19 relief packages, Congress has provided a lifeline for Americans during this pandemic. Much more is urgently needed to care for those with the greatest health and long-term care needs, support Holocaust survivors and other vulnerable populations, and support the organizations that serve them.
Liberty, Equality and Revolution: A Virtual Tour of the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Join UJA-Federation of New York in a tour led by museum President and CEO R. Scott Stephenson, Ph.D.
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