EZ Read April 28, 2023

April 28, 2023

On Our Minds...

Our First JAC Policy Conference in Washington, DC:

Thoughts From First Time Attendees

CAROLYN MORETTI -- Highland Park, IL

I wasn't sure what to expect in DC when I signed up to attend JAC’s 2023 policy conference in Washington last week. But I was excited about all of the opportunities. I had heard so much about experiences at past conferences. As someone who has been politically active and aware my whole life, it was an added bonus for me to meet so many smart, politically active JAC women on this trip.

Walking the halls of Congress to visit Representatives and Senators felt surreal. I was going to meet with the people I have talked about, called, and wrote postcards to help elect. JAC provided me with the access to meet with them in person. I was able to make my voice and concerns heard. Many of us have made donations, helped get out the vote, and urged our peers to vote for change. At the conference, I was not only able to see them, I was able to ask them to continue to fight for the things that I care about such as gun laws and reproductive rights.

I also met JAC members from across the country. It was wonderful to hear about their experiences. They eagerly shared their knowledge of Congress and experiences from past conferences. I not only learned from Members of Congress, but also the women and men who joined me at the conference. They shared their knowledge, many having been a part of these trips for years.

I was so proud to be a part of this trip and to represent JAC. My goal for next year is to bring my friends with me to share in these amazing and empowering experiences.

From l to r: Lara Shamblott, Allison Shaewitz, Carolyn Moretti, and Marisa Chez at the West Wing of the White House during the JAC Conference.

LARA SHAMBLOTT -- Chicago, IL

I am so grateful to JAC for the incredible opportunity to be part of their policy conference. I was excited to attend my first conference as it felt like a way to make a difference during a trying time. JAC’s issues, especially choice & gun violence prevention, are important to me. But I never knew how to make an impact. Donating and making phone calls didn’t feel like enough. However, there is power in numbers. I loved that I could go to the conference, stand with other women (and a few men) with one strong, unified voice and with such a well respected and established organization.

I didn’t realize how much I would learn. I’m proud of my Jewish heritage, but I wasn’t confident about how to speak about Israel given the current political situation. This conference helped me to understand the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and how to discuss that with Members of Congress.

I also learned how to advocate more effectively for the issues I deeply care about such as gun violence prevention and choice. I was impressed and inspired by the other conference attendees. They are strong, intelligent, and passionate women.

I made memories that I’ll cherish for a lifetime. I met Representatives, Senators, and staff who impressed me with their dedication and knowledge. JAC helped me to feel empowered as I discussed issues with Members of Congress and urged them to cosponsor bills and protect our rights.

I’m excited to follow in the footsteps of these amazing JAC women. I want to excite my generation and younger generations to continue to move the needle towards a two state solution, a world where hatred is no longer a worry, where our bodies and medical choices stay between a woman and her doctor, and where gun violence is a thing of the past. JAC is giving me that way.

SUPPORT JACPAC

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, May 5

Rep. Jan Schakowsky's 22nd Annual

Ultimate Women's Power Lunch

with special guests LA Mayor Karen Bass & Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA)

Chicago, IL

RSVP

(Note JAC table when you register)

_______________________________________

Sunday, May 7

Women for Brad Luncheon

in support of Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10)

with special guests IL Comptroller Susana Mendoza &

Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering

Northbrook, IL

RSVP

(Note JAC table when you register)

_______________________________________

Tuesday, May 9th

Dessert & Discussion on Gun Violence Prevention

with IL Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart & Chair of the Illinois Violence Prevention Initiative Sara Knizhnik

Highland Park, IL

RSVP

IN THE NEWS

ISRAEL

The House passed a pro-Israel resolution with 18 Democrats and 1 Republican voting against it
With continued protests against Netanyahu's government, Yom Hazikaron was unusually politicized
As we celebrate Israel's birthday, it's important to acknowledge the efforts that made the Jewish state possible

ANTISEMITISM AND BDS

The ADL was glad to see Tucker Carlson, who often shared white supremacist conspiracy theories on air, let go by FOX News
The Czulent Jewish Association released a worrying report on antisemitism in Poland
More than 100 international organizations have urged the UN not to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism

ANTISEMITISM WATCH

Jury selection began this week in the trial for the shooter from the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh
A lawyer representing a student who had a swastika carved into his back said that antisemitism is "at its absolute worst."
Florida Sheriff Mike Chitwood has made an enemy out of neo-Nazis and stays determined to hold them accountable

CHOICE

Despite the SCOTUS decision, 27 states have banned or restricted mifepristone to some degree
This week, North Dakota joined the growing list of states that have banned abortion
An Oklahoma woman with a cancerous molar pregnancy was forced to wait in the hospital parking lot until she got sicker in order to get a medical abortion

RELIGION AND STATE

Members of the Ottawa County, MI government wants to unite the county population over "the Constitution, Christianity, and capitalism'
Texas Republicans are trying to infuse public schools with religion
Some believe the Biden administration should follow the guidance of Jewish institutions and spare the Tree of Life shooter's life

BEYOND THE CORE

The Supreme Court has made room for energy companies to be held accountable for climate change
Expanding the Supreme Court is becoming popular among gun reform groups
A man who threatened to kill his son was able to get a gun and his ex-wife is demanding answers

22dc-scotus-topart-01-hklt-videoSixteenByNine3000 image

POLITICAL BYTE

President Joe Biden is running for reelection in 2024
Former WH Chief of Staff Ron Klain called out criticisms of VP Harris for racist and sexist undertones
House Republicans passed a bill to lift the debt limit and increase spending

FYI

Harry Belafonte, who turned Hava Nagila into a classic, has died at 96
Switzerland has agreed to help pay for its first national Holocaust memorial
Jewish author David Handler is working on his next film: a story about the Golem of Prague

THE LAST WORD

"The question we are facing is whether in the years ahead we have more freedom or less freedom. More rights or fewer... this is not the time to be complacent. That's why I'm running for reelection."

President Joe Biden

SUPPORT JACPAC

Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC) is a pro-Israel PAC with a domestic agenda. We support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and advocate for reproductive health and the separation of religion and state and incorporate other issues of importance to the Jewish community, including gun violence prevention and climate change. In addition to providing financial support for U.S. Senate and House campaigns, JACPAC educates our membership with outreach events designed to inform and activate their participation in the political process.

Paid for by Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs. Contributions or gifts are not tax deductible. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals who donate in an election cycle. Corporate contributions and contributions from non-US citizens who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence are prohibited. All contributions by individuals must be made from personal funds and may not be reimbursed or paid by another person.