Washington, DC – This is the second in a series of “snapshots” on the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) and its member organizations. Each week, we will introduce a different member of the IIC. Last week, we highlighted the broader coalition.
Who They Are: The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization that is 90,000 strong with over sixty sections and action teams in thirty states. NCJW confronts today’s most urgent social and economic challenges facing women, children, and families. (https://www.ncjw.org / @NCJW/ @NCJWInc)
What They Do: For 125 years, NCJW has worked to advance social change through grassroots advocacy and community service using a Jewish lens. NCJW works on issues ranging from reproductive health, rights, and justice; federal courts; voter engagement; gender equality in Israel; gun violence prevention; economic justice; religious freedom; human trafficking prevention, human needs; immigration and refugee policy; and gender-based and sexual violence.
Where They Operate: NCJW’s national office is located in Washington D.C. They have sections and action teams that work on federal, state, and local policy advocacy nationally and in thirty states, including: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.
Core Value: “Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:18). This clarion call to action has resonated with the Jewish people for centuries and is the guiding imperative of the National Council of Jewish Women.
Noted For: More than a century ago, NCJW established an agency at Ellis Island to support immigrant families, with partner offices in 250 cities providing job training and legal aid for immigrant women. Today NCJW continues to advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees.
BenchMark: NCJW’s Judicial Nominations Campaign builds a fairer, more inclusive and diverse federal bench. NCJW utilizes state-based Courts Matter coalitions to mobilize grassroots advocates around the country.
NCJW was an early advocate for safe and legal abortion rights and access. We continue our advocacy at the local, state, and national levels today.
Leadership and Key Contacts:
- Sheila Katz, CEO
- Beatrice Kahn, Board President
- Faith Williams, Senior Manager of Government Relations and Co-Chair, Interfaith Immigration Coalition
- Stephanie Cohen: Media Relations (scohen@ncjw.org)
Quote: “There is no other organization in the country like NCJW—one that harnesses the power and voices of Jewish feminists, is not afraid to challenge the status quo, and creates positive social change that makes a real difference in the lives of real people every day,” Sheila Katz, CEO.
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of 53 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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