December 30, 2020

JCPA’s Leadership During COVID-19 — With the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, JCPA quickly pivoted and ensured its national-local network was engaged in crucial advocacy work to support vulnerable communities. We were made for times like these. Watch our video to learn more about our impact.

This year, JCPA:

• Stood up for a strong democracy and free, fair and accessible elections.
• Spoke out against growing racism, antisemitism, and bigotry with community relations statements that received national attention: pledging solidarity with Asian American communities facing discrimination, ending systemic racism in law enforcement, and stopping racism and antisemitism on social media.
• Advocated for the Paycheck Protection Program and funding for Jewish institutions at the local, state and national levels.
• Provided education, toolkits, factsheets, and mobilized Jewish community engagement on today’s civil rights movement.
• Organized more than 35 webinars with experts, advocates, and influentials to educate to our network.
• And so much more!

JCPA Applauds Passage of the Middle East Partnership for Peace Act — JCPA applauded Congress for passing the bipartisan Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act, which will provide $250 million over five years to expand coexistence between Arabs and Israelis and peacebuilding programs in the region and support projects to strengthen the Palestinian economy. This historic legislation will help create an environment in which the parties can eventually achieve peace in the Middle East. The President signed the bill into law on December 27, 2020. Click here to read the full press release.

JCPA and ADL Cosponsor Jewish Organizational Letter Urging Passage of the NO HATE Act — On December 17, JCPA and ADL sent every Senator a letter signed by 26 national Jewish organizations urging them to pass the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, would significantly enhance the accuracy and utility of the FBI’s hate crimes statistics by authorizing new streams of funding and technical support to improve hate crimes data collection and ensure their participation in the FBI’s data compilation. Click here to read the full letter. 

Criminal Justice Reform National Network Meeting — JCPA convened the National Jewish Network of Criminal Justice Reform Experts with 48 leaders from around the country. The meeting focused on gearing up the agenda for advancing reform through a Jewish lens in preparation for the new Administration. The meeting included a discussion with a representative of the Biden-Harris transition team. For more information, about the network contact Eric Seligman at Eseligman@thejcpa.org.

JCPA Virtual Benefit Exceeds Expectations — The premier of JCPA’s Virtual Benefit was an in incredible night for the organization, with hundreds of people attending and generously supporting JCPA, exceeding our fundraising goal. The benefit showcased JCPA’s response to the pandemic’s challenges, racism, and hate and the new civil rights movement. If you missed it, click here is a link for you to watch at your leisure.

JCPA’s Four-Year Review (2016-2020) — JCPA’s Annual Reports provide substantive information about JCPA’s impact and accomplishments during each program year.  Each report gives an overview of JCPA’s work on the JCRC network, policy priorities, criminal justice reform, Israel advocacy, webinar programs, and other special initiatives.Click here to read our 2020 End-of-Year Report. The annual report for 2019-2020 is coming soon. Click on the images below to read the full reports.

To read past issues of JCPA’s update, click here.