In The News

Today, in an unprecedented move, the White House released a highly sensitive intelligence document for political gain. Donald Trump's aim is to discredit his critics. There is a dark shadow hanging over Trump and his associates with alleged ties to Russia and other unconstitutional actions, and a dark cloud over the country.

The Mueller and FBI investigations, the government shutdown, and the overall gridlock in Washington, D.C. does not give the public a great deal of confidence in Congress and our elected officials.

Monday marks the 45th Anniversary of Roe v Wade when the Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional right to privacy "is broad enough to encompass a woman's decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy," thereby ensuring that women had a protected right to a safe and legal abortion.

Prior to that, women went to extreme, dangerous and desperate measures to end a pregnancy. Women were willing to risk their lives to have control over their bodies.

Last May, I was lucky enough to join JAC at their annual Washington D.C. meeting.  At that time, I was frustrated, dismayed and dejected following the 2016 election.  However, those days changed my life and renewed my passion.

We arrived in DC and after a briefing by JAC staff and policy experts we immediately headed to the Hill to begin our advocacy work. I met with dozens of Members of Congress whose commitment and dedication to public service, despite the political climate, reassured me hope was not lost. 

2018 is starting off in an upside down world.

There are blizzards in the South and on the East Coast, while the Rocky Mountains are begging for snow. And our leaders deny climate change.

White House staff is coming and going, and publicly turning on each other. 

We have a president tweeting at world leaders, potentially inciting war.

It was an emotional week.

Houston's cleanup from Hurricane Harvey barely started when Hurricane Irma bore down on Florida. Rebuilding physically and emotionally will be slow and painful. It has already been one of the most intense hurricane seasons in recorded history and the season isn't expected to end until November. Evidence continues to mount that these catastrophic events are not coincidental, but explicitly due to climate change. 

Each one of us has a story to tell about a parent, grandparent or great grandparent that landed on the shores of this country in hopes of building a better life. Many sought refuge from political and religious persecution. They worked hard, struggled and persevered, always striving for the American dream. In the process,  our immigrant relatives helped to build our country.They went to school, got better jobs, purchased  homes, and started businesses. They were not very different from today's DREAMERs.  

JAC's thoughts are with our members in Texas, the Jewish community and all those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. At times like this, we all come together to offer assistance to those in need. The heroic efforts by citizens and first responders have been inspiring. The recovery will be long and painful and will require federal and private assistance.