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A High Holiday Message
from Judy Levey
Chief Executive Officer, JCUA
| As the new year approaches, consider a contribution to sustain the work of JCUA. |
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I wish I could send a simple “L’Shana Tovah” blessing to you and your family. But this year, it's just not that simple.
As we take stock of this past year, we see a society that has forsaken the most vulnerable; where hate speech and hate crimes have become the norm; where poverty is at its highest since the Great Depression. Is this a society we can endure?
JCUA doesn’t think so.
The High Holy Day Torah readings describe the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. They feared the challenges ahead and sought divine guidance:
“This commandment which I command you this day, it is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven. It is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it" (Deuteronomy, 30:11-14).
The answer is not to be found in heaven (“Lo Bashamaim”), but in our actions. The answer is found in JCUA’s actions.
Building a Movement
This past year 60 teens from around the country were trained by JCUA's Or Tzedek program to be Jewish social justice leaders. Together we are building a movement to shape our society. The challenges are fierce. But our actions are bold.
The answer is not in heaven. We need your help to make the coming year better. Join the movement.
L’Shana Tovah!
P.S. JCUA needs your help to fight society’s wrongs today. We’re busier than ever. Scroll down to learn more.
| Challenges and Action: 2012 |
| Housing |
JCUA's Action |
| The average age of a homeless person in the U.S. is 12. |
This year JCUA‘s Community Ventures is helping to rehab 75 foreclosed homes in Lawndale and Austin, and helping to create more than 300 affordable apartments in Bronzeville.
We are also working with public housing residents and allies, in a campaign to “lease up” more than 3,000 vacant public housing units.
» Learn more
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| Immigrant Justice |
JCUA's Action |
1,000 people are deported from the U.S. every day, separating families and destroying lives.
Many of those deported came to the U.S. as small children. |
This year we have been able to stop the creation of the first private detention center in Illinois. We are now working to empower the voices of immigrants in the upcoming election.
» Learn more
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| Jewish-Muslim Relations |
JCUA's Action |
| In the past month we have seen a shooting attack on a mosque, a home-made bomb thrown at an Islamic day school, and the desecration of a Muslim grave. |
We have organized dozens of rabbis, cantors and community leaders to speak out. Nearly 1,000 Jews and Muslims broke bread together during Ramadan, and we continue to build bridges between our communities.
» Learn more
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