JCUA

Join us on Wednesday, September 11 for a teach-in with Arab Jewish scholar Hadar Cohen on Mizrahi and Sephardi experiences of Antisemitism and Ashkenormativity.

The third event in our 60th anniversary speaker series on antisemitism, this session will delve into the complexities of antisemitism as it uniquely impacts these groups, offering a critical examination of Mizrahi and Sephardi identities.

Register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/YC0AnABWEkmo-4FGO2wXZw2?emci=0e67d06c-0055-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&emdi=1131bb60-525a-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&ceid=890393

JCUA has come a long way since our founding in 1964. In 2024, our approach to pursuing justice has never been needed more.

In recognition of JCUA's 60th anniversary, we are launching our Makom 60 campaign to fuel our work to build a multiracial democracy where Jews and all our neighbors are safe.

Learn more at jcua.org/60

We'd like to share our deep gratitude for Sarah Unowsky, who is completing her final week on staff as JCUA's Avodah Organizer!

Sarah has been a tremendous part of our team, and we're excited that she'll be staying in Chicago and taking on a new role with HIAS.

Sarah shared this reflection on her time with JCUA:

As I write this during my final week at JCUA, I’m reflecting on my time here with nostalgia and thoughtfulness. In just an hour, I’ll be participating in my last organizing team meeting, and I’m contemplating where to treat myself for a celebratory meal on my final day of in-person day of work.

I have absolutely adored my time at JCUA, and I look back on it fondly. I learned how to be an organizer, how to connect with people from different generations and with different life experiences than my own, and, most importantly, I learned that I want to continue working toward creating a world in which everyone can thrive.

Upon leaving JCUA, I am excited to begin working at HIAS Chicago, a program of Jewish Children and Family Services (JCFS). As an Employment Specialist, I will be assisting recent refugees to find jobs by counseling them in interview and job skills, leading them through the application process, and providing greater support where necessary. I don’t plan to go far, however. I hope to remain involved in JCUA as a member as best as my capacity allows. A leader once told me that engaging with JCUA makes her feel like a better citizen, and I wholeheartedly feel the same way.

This year has been one of self-growth and discovery. Where previously I may have felt reticence or self-doubt, I now feel eagerness and confidence. I learned that what is challenging is not impossible, and there is always room to grow. I learned that I can be a strong leader in the fight for social justice. I am so grateful to the JCUA staff, leadership, membership, and congregational partners who made my year as successful as it was. I leave with appreciation and lasting connections.

JCUA's Organizing 101 is back!

On Sunday, 9/8, dive into the essentials of community organizing, including:

🔍 Analyzing power structures
🧭 Aligning values with action
🤝 Building relationships
💬 Mastering one-on-ones
✡️ Connecting Judaism & social justice

Free for JCUA members! Connect with other leaders and sharpen your skills for creating systemic change!

bit.ly/Org-101

JCUA is hiring!

We're seeking a Youth Leadership Coordinator to support youth participation in JCUA’s organizing work.

Learn more at jcua.org/jobs

"Those of us who hold dear the dream of a multiracial democracy cannot give in to fear and isolation.

Effectively addressing all forms of bigotry means continuing to build strong inter-communal relationships and working together across differences toward a city that delivers on the promise of freedom and safety for all people — no exceptions."

On June 27, 2024, JCUA community organizer Joe Grant offered this testimony before a joint meeting of Chicago's Committee on Health and Human Relations and Committee on Public Safety.

Join us for a conversation with Ben Lorber on the release of his new book, Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism.

Co-written with antifascist author Shane Burley, Safety Through Solidarity uses history, analysis and interviews with frontline organizers to situate the fight against antisemitism where it belongs — alongside the fight against all forms of oppression.

Thanks to everyone who joined us on June 22nd for Kol Or's 7th Annual Juneteenth Havdalah! ❤

Our annual Nonviolent Direct Action training is coming up!

Join us on Sunday, July 21st as we learn how to plan powerful actions and practice crucial skills and scenarios.

Secure your spot: https://secure.everyaction.com/StJb2QDDN0iavR-5Fnfddw2

Join our Immigration Committee this Tuesday, June 25th for a potluck in Welles Park to celebrate this year's state platform wins, build relationships, and enjoy summer in Chicago!

Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/SHsfXof7UUOhJTH9L0twVA2

Join us for a celebration of liberation! Kol Or's Juneteenth Havdalah is coming up on Saturday, 6/22 at Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School.

Register: bit.ly/KolOrJuneteenth2024

Tomorrow is your last chance to purchase Acts of Change tickets.

We look forward to seeing you this Monday, June 3rd at the Chicago Cultural Center!

https://jcua.org/acts-of-change/tickets/

As the 2024 legislative session wraps up, we want to take a moment to thank our ICIRR members for talking to legislators in Springfield and making calls this week! 🏛️📞

Thank you for your partnership:

Arab American Family Services (AAFS)
Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Chicago
Brighton Park Neighborhood Council
Casa Michoacán Federación De Clubes Michoacános En Illinois
Centro de Trabajadores Unidos
Centro Romero
Communities United
Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI)
Enlace Chicago
Episcopal Diocese Sanctuary Task Force
JCUA
Latino Organization of the Southwest
Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
MIRA: Middle Eastern Immigrant & Refugee Alliance
Mujeres Latinas en Accion
Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors-NIJFON
Planned Parenthood Illinois Action
Southwest Organizing Project
Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project - SSIP
Syrian Community Network
UCC Sanctuary Working Group
UIC Undocumented Student Resource Center

We are thrilled to share that Jessica Schaffer is joining JCUA next month as our new Executive Director!

Jessica comes to JCUA after 12 years at JCFS Chicago, including eight years as the Director of HIAS Immigration & Citizenship. During her tenure, she partnered often with JCUA to pursue immigration justice, co-convening Jewish Action Days in Springfield and organizing the Jewish community to advocate for refugees and asylum seekers.

Jessica’s wealth of experience in social justice advocacy, community organizing, fundraising, and organizational leadership make her an excellent new leader of JCUA.

Learn more: https://jcua.org/blog/introducing-jcuas-new-executive-director-jessica-schaffer/

JCUA is part the Fund Our Futures coalition that is organizing to expand community programs by advancing equitable revenue policies in Illinois.

Help us call on state legislators to generate $1.5 billion in revenue to fund child care, education, health care, immigrant services, and other programs that Illinois families need to thrive!

p2a.co/zbvfn9u

This summer, our executive director Judy Levey is leaving her role after twelve years as JCUA's Executive Director.

We're excited to send her off in style on June 3rd, when we'll present her with the Miriam Award for Inspiring Community Leadership at Acts of Change.

We can't think of anyone more deserving of this award. Judy has led JCUA with wisdom, kindness, and authenticity. Building on our vibrant history, Judy helped invigorate JCUA through the embrace of a member-driven, community organizing model that has led to extraordinary growth and impact.

Help us celebrate Judy on Monday, June 3!

jcua.org/acts-of-change/

After ten years of leading our organizing team, Marla Bramble is departing JCUA this month to begin an exciting new chapter as the Deputy Director of Grassroots Collaborative.

There are too many achievements and stories to share to encapsulate what Marla has meant to JCUA. Put simply, we would not be the organization and community we are today without Marla's leadership.

While we are very sad to see her go, we're excited that she's taking on an important role with Grassroots Collaborative, of which JCUA is a proud member. We look forward to continuing to organize with Marla for a more just and equitable Chicago.

Thanks for everything, Marla ❤️

We're excited to present the Rabbi Robert J. Marx Award to Eric Ward, a national voice on civil rights and inclusive democracy!

Named for JCUA’s founder, this award honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to social justice. Like Rabbi Marx, Eric is a visionary leader and bridge-builder who has dedicated his life to knitting together communities to stand against hate in all its forms.

We could not be more proud to honor him with this award at Acts of Change on Monday, June 3rd at the Chicago Cultural Center.

JCUA is heading to Springfield next Tuesday!

This is a great opportunity to engage with elected officials, learn about the legislative process, and build relationships with JCUA members and our coalition partners.

Register to join us!

https://secure.everyaction.com/QW5akpu5Aki_3fmqY-zSlw2

JCUA condemns the Chicago Police Department's failure to terminate officers with ties to extremist organizations like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.

These hate groups promote antisemitism, white supremacy, and xenophobia and have a history of violence and intimidation. By allowing these officers to remain on the force, CPD is jeopardizing the safety of all Chicagoans and sending a dangerous message that it tolerates right-wing extremism.

If Superintendent Snelling and CPD are truly committed to building public trust with Chicagoans, they must follow the policy passed by the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) that bans officers from associating with hate groups.

CPD Officers Probed for Ties to Proud Boys and Oath Keepers Won’t Be Disciplined, Department Says None of the allegations examined by the Bureau of Internal Affairs were sustained, and the investigation announced by Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling has been closed, a spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department told WTTW News.

A Passover message from our executive director:

Dear JCUA family,

As Passover approaches, many of us are in the midst of preparation. In my family, we’re deep in the details, thinking about how to accommodate our 40 guests from across four generations, how to hold the attention of the under-five crowd, and how to make the Seder meaningful and joyful.

This year, though, many in our Jewish community are approaching Passover with heavy hearts. The ongoing suffering in Gaza and Israel, our experiences of antisemitism and hate, and the divisions within our Jewish community have left many feeling sad, anxious, and disconnected. As we gather for Seder, these feelings may become even more acute.

JCUA remains steadfast in our commitment to building a more just and equitable Chicago and Illinois. Our work is grounded in solidarity and community-building, and we believe that the power of relationships is essential to creating lasting change. By showing up for each other, sharing our stories, and strengthening bonds within the Jewish community and with our diverse community partners, we can counter fear and isolation and work towards a future in which everyone is safe.

Earlier this week, JCUA leaders were at City Hall for a conversation about antisemitism with Mayor Brandon Johnson, Jewish elected officials, and Jewish community members. We had a substantial discussion about our community’s experiences in this challenging moment and the need to address antisemitism in all its forms. JCUA’s strong presence demonstrated our leadership and our commitment to building trust and solidarity. We look forward to continuing this important work with our members, our partners, and the administration.

This is a significant year for JCUA and for me personally. We are celebrating our 60th anniversary, and I’m preparing to leave my position after more than a decade as Executive Director. I’m filled with gratitude for being able to lead this organization, and I’ve never been more certain about our integral role within Chicago and Illinois.

I hope you’ll join me for Acts of Change on June 3rd, where I’ll be one of the honorees alongside Eric Ward, Executive Vice President of Race Forward and a national leader on confronting authoritarian movements. It will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and look forward to the next 60 years of important work. We’d love to have you with us.

As you gather with your loved ones for Passover, I wish you a holiday filled with meaning, connection, and moments of joy. May the rituals and stories of this season remind us of our resilience, our solidarity, and our shared commitment to a better world.

Chag sameach.
Judy Levey

JCUA and our partners in the Fund Our Futures coalition held a Tax Day action to launch our campaign to collect more than $1 billion in new state revenue. Together, we can fund:

Child Care
Education
Direct Cash Assistance
Health Care
Home Care
Immigrant Services
Re-Entry Supports
Afterschool Funding

And more!

We appreciated the opportunity to be in conversation earlier today with Mayor Johnson, members of his administration, Jewish elected officials, and other Jewish community members.

For 60 years, JCUA has worked to combat antisemitism, racism, and inequality by bringing together our Jewish community to take action with our neighbors. We look forward to continuing the conversation with the administration and partnering with our allies in and outside the Jewish community to confront antisemitism and build a city where everyone is safe.

Please join the JCUA community on Monday, June 3 at the iconic Chicago Cultural Center, as we celebrate 60 years of pursuing justice!

Don't miss out on what is sure to be a wonderful evening — tickets and sponsorships are available now.

Learn more: https://jcua.org/acts-of-change/

There’s plenty of ways to take action with us in April.

Whether you’re a teen or a retiree, whether your passion is for community safety, immigration justice, environmental justice, or Torah learning — there’s a space for you at JCUA.

You can see our full calendar at jcua.org/events