SPEAK UP: CONTACT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

JAC unwaveringly supports Israel, the only reliable democracy in the Middle East, and America's staunch ally and partner in fighting terrorism. We believe a strong U.S.-Israel relationship is in the fundamental national security interests of both countries, and support security assistance to Israel and Israel’s ability to defend itself. We recognize that Iran's nuclear ambitions pose an existential threat to Israel and a danger to the United States and world. We believe that a two-state solution, at the appropriate time, is the only path forward that will guarantee security and peace for the Israelis and the Palestinians. When there are willing partners, It is our hope and goal that those discussions will continue and ultimately lead to a meaningful, permanent path forward. We oppose BDS, (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions), an international attempt to delegitimize Israel in political, academic, and economic circles.

The alarming rise in global antisemitism presents a grave threat not only to the Jewish community but also to the fabric of our democracy. JAC believes that addressing this religious bigotry demands a concerted bipartisan effort. We advocate for legislation that protects those subjected to antisemitism as well as all religious discrimination. We are committed to engaging with elected officials, fostering direct dialogue and promoting education to counter a growing anti-Israel rhetoric. We denounce anti-Israel movements, such as BDS, who have become increasingly sophisticated in their messaging and reach. We work to ensure the safety of the Jewish community through education, awareness and opportunities for activism.

JAC believes in full reproductive freedom for all women, regardless of their zip code. This includes safe and equal access to the full range of reproductive health care services. We must take federal action to protect abortion rights, especially with the sweeping anti-choice legislation enacted at the state level. We oppose legislation that limits women’s access to family planning, abortion, IVF, and necessary health care. We support legislation to codify Roe v. Wade and stop states’ efforts to curtail abortion care services following the outcome of Dobbs v Jackson's Women's Health (which overturned Roe v Wade and its protections). We support the Affordable Care Act which states that simply being a woman is no longer a pre-existing condition, requires basic reproductive health tests be covered at no cost, and eliminates the copay for prescription contraception. We believe that religious views should not be used to prevent women from accessing reproductive health care, which clearly violates equal protection for all under the Constitution.

JAC supports gun safety legislation along with responsible gun ownership. Together these actions make everyone safer. We support the repeal of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which would remove the gun industry’s legal immunity and allow negligent gun companies and gun sellers to be sued. We believe in expanded universal background checks on all gun purchases, including private sales at gun shows and internet sales. We advocate for the passage of Ethan’s law which would require safe storage of guns in individuals’ homes. We maintain that assault weapons, which are weapons of war, should NOT be on our streets. Therefore we support an assault weapons ban.

Our country was founded on the principle that government and religion should not be one and the same. Similarly, our government should not show preference or persecution based on religious ideology. JAC continues to uphold these beliefs, recognizing that our country and community are strongest when the expression of all beliefs can flourish without governmental interference. We oppose efforts to use religious views to create public policy, such as laws that define life as beginning at conception, eliminate abortion, and outlaw contraception, and define marriage as between a man and a woman. We are concerned about the rise in Christian nationalism and those that believe our country should remain white and Christian, disregarding differing religions, women, people of color and LGBTQ+. We oppose efforts to use religion as a sword to punish and to discriminate. We stand against attempts by right-wing politicians to codify legislation based on their personal religious views, including the Defense of Marriage Act (defining marriage as between a man and a woman). We object to government funding of religion, which includes school vouchers and charitable choice, as well as government promotion of religion, including prayer in schools and the posting of sectarian symbols in or around public buildings.

JAC also supports these issues that are important to the Jewish community, our nation, and the world at large. Environment: We closely follow environmental issues, advocate for responsible energy production and renewable resources, and support legislation that protects the Earth for our children’s futures. Immigration Reform: We recognize the importance and complications in our current immigration policy and believe the path to citizenship should be simpler and less burdensome for the many seeking to make this country their home. Equal Rights: We believe that equal rights are human rights, and no one should be discriminated against due to gender, religion, sexual preference or race. We strongly oppose recent attempts by right-wing politicians to codify legislation based on their personal religious views, including the Defense of Marriage Act. Voting Rights: We are deeply concerned about recent attacks on the Voting Rights Act, as well as attempts to subvert the concept of a democratically elected government, and support all eligible citizens having a right – and a responsibility – to vote without impediments.