On Monday, June 3 at Acts of Change, we are excited to present the Rabbi Robert J. Marx Award to Eric Ward, the Executive Vice President of Race Forward and a prominent national voice on civil rights and inclusive democracy.

Eric has spent more than 30 years illuminating the critical connections between antisemitism and racism. As Executive Director of the Western States Center and now Executive Vice President at Race Forward, Ward has been a leading voice countering antisemitism, white nationalism, and authoritarianism. His groundbreaking writings and presentations argue that antisemitism forms the theoretical core of white nationalist ideology, and that fighting antisemitism is central to building an inclusive, multiracial democracy.

Named for JCUA’s founder, the Rabbi Robert J. Marx Award honors leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to social justice. Like Rabbi Marx, Eric Ward 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.

Judy Levey is JCUA’s outgoing Executive Director. Building on a vibrant history, Judy has worked to elevate a community organizing model, which led to the engagement of thousands of members, transformative organizing victories, the expansion of racial and economic justice programs, and the large-scale growth of the Community Ventures Program (CVP). Guided by Judy’s leadership, JCUA is a powerful, dynamic, and growing organization.