What's On Our Mind - 11-10-2023
Submitted by holliswein on Fri, 11/10/2023 - 5:08pm
JAC's mission depends on cultivating relationships with the candidates we support. We achieve this by providing financial support, ensuring that candidates understand the essence of JAC’s work, and recognize the nationwide network of JAC members behind that support. These connections become crucial when we are advocating for specific bills or actions in Congress.
During the past four weeks those relationships have proven to be even more critical as we had numerous conversations with our candidates regarding the war in Israel and efforts to combat antisemitism. Even if our perspectives differ, maintaining these dialogues can lead to longterm results.
Two weeks ago JAC spoke with Rep. Max Frost (D-FL) concerning Israel, Gaza, and the calls for a ceasefire. With so much disinformation floating around, this was an excellent opportunity to discuss the history of Israel and the facts. We made a strong case against a ceasefire. After a productive call, we felt confident that we made him much more in tune with our position and that we can continue to communicate with him.
We were disappointed that Frost recently voted against a bill condemning antisemitism on colleges and university campuses, which did pass the House. During our last conversation with him, we did emphasize how important combating antisemitism is to the Jewish community while also underscoring the risk antisemitism has to our democracy.
Due to the rapport we have established with him, Frost called up JAC’s executive director, Hollis Wein, to explain his vote and express regret. Click here for more information. He did emphasize his strong condemnation of antisemitism and all forms of hate. His issue was with certain language in the bill.
This is the power of JAC; and this is the power you can have when you join with JAC. We don’t just send the money; we also speak truth to power with each and every candidate we support throughout their time on Capitol Hill.
The current political discord in Washington is extremely divisive and unproductive. If we are ever able to build a more tolerant and understanding society, we must learn to engage in meaningful conversations — even when it’s not everything we want to hear.
Words and elections matter.
