AJCongress At the Wall…a History of Support for Women

A recent poll “found that 64 percent of the secular public, 53 percent of the “traditional non-religious public,” and 26 percent of the traditional-religious public support the group (Women of the Wall). But it was unanimously rejected by the poll’s ultra-Orthodox respondents.” According to an article in Algemeiner, a news service.

In 1988, AJCongress hosted The First International Jewish Feminist Conference:The Empowerment of Women in Israel to address women’s rights.  As part of this conference of over 600 Jewish women from around the world, including former Congresswoman Bella Abzug and Betty Friedan, some went to the Kotel, Torah in hand and the birth of a movement began, now known around the world as The Women of the Wall.

AJCongress joined the Supreme Court case in Israel and has been on the forefront of this issue from day one.  Today we celebrate the successes Women of the Wall enjoy and we stand by them as they open doors for all Jewish women and women everywhere.

As the American Jewish Congress itself reorganizes, making itself more robust for a challenging world, we stand side-by-side with the Women of the Wall.  “Women’s issues belong to all of us and this kind of activism is essential if we are to engage future generations in Jewish life, fighting apathy and assimilation.” Stated Jack Rosen AJCongress president.  “We have to remain on the forefront of today’s concerns if we want to leave a legacy for those who will take on the leadership of tomorrow.”

 For more information and to get involved, contact us at leadership@ajcongress.org

American Jewish Congress Announces Changes

To engage young Jews, give them a voice and encourage them to be active in Jewish life, the American Jewish Congress has made a dramatic departure from the past and positioned itself as a force going forward. To address the challenges of Jewish life today, including assimilation, AJCongress saw change was needed and has taken a giant step ahead.

At a recent Governing Council meeting, the leadership voted unanimously for changes to the organization’s constitution.  By streamlining the governance process, setting up new operational guidelines and committee structures they have made the organization better able to respond to the issues confronting the Jewish community.  “These changes have been in the works for a number of years” stated Governing Council chairman, Herb London, “and now that the process has been completed we can focus on programming.”

With changes in the United States, from the demographics of the voting public to issues of concern locally, nationally and internationally, AJCongress recognized a need to reorganize and become a welcoming organization for Jews looking to have an impact at home, in Washington and in Israel.

The 95-year-old organization, founded in 1918, has updated its Bylaws, making it a more agile and responsive organization.  “One reason change came slowly” said Congress president, Jack Rosen, “is that we wanted to secure the American Jewish Congress’ mission while building an organization able to take on current challenges. We are ready to do that now.”

 People interested in becoming involved with American Jewish Congress should contact Robert Kesten at leadership@ajcongress.org.