In the weeks since I stepped into my role as Executive Director, I’ve experienced the warmth, wisdom, and dedication of our JCUA community.

I’ve also seen first-hand how important our mission is — especially now.

JCUA mobilizes the Jewish community to pursue justice in Chicago and Illinois. Deeply rooted in Jewish values and history, we organize with the belief that our safety as Jews is bound up in the safety of all our neighbors. That our fight against antisemitism cannot be waged in isolation, but through close partnerships with other communities facing structural oppression.

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

I’m excited to announce that — in recognition of JCUA’s 60th anniversary — we are formally launching the Makom 60 campaign.

The word ‘Makom’ means place, a safe haven, and the divine. It embodies JCUA’s commitment to make Chicago and Illinois a true home for everyone.

Through Makom 60, JCUA is doubling down on the fight for a multiracial democracy, where Jews and all our neighbors are safe. Over the next 12 months, we are raising funds to grow JCUA’s impact in three key areas:

• Education: Empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to confront antisemitism, anti-Blackness, Islamophobia, and other forms of hatred.
• Community Building: Building relationships within the Jewish community and with our diverse neighbors across the region.
• Grassroots Organizing: Advancing people-powered campaigns that transform systems and create racial and economic justice.

In recent months, we’ve been laying the groundwork for Makom — engaging dozens of our leaders in one-on-one conversations, hosting impactful events with speakers like Eric Ward and Ben Lorber, and introducing new training programs such as Antisemitism 201. Now, we’re launching the campaign publicly and inviting you to take part.

Here’s how you can support Makom 60:

1. Become a Sustaining Member: Make a monthly, recurring donation to JCUA and fuel our work to build a more just Chicago and Illinois.
2. Join the Makom Community Circle: Make a transformative gift to JCUA. In the Makom Community Circle, you’ll join a group of change-makers dedicated to building a multiracial democracy. Note that all contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar!
3. Attend one of our Upcoming Events: Register for JCUA’s annual Organizing 101 training on Sunday, 9/8, our teach-in on Mizrahi & Sephardic experiences of antisemitism and Ashkenormativity on Wednesday, 9/11, and our New Member Orientation on Wednesday, 9/25.
   Together, we can create a Chicago and Illinois where everyone feels at home, where justice prevails, and where all communities flourish. Your support of Makom 60 will help make this vision a reality.

Join us in this pivotal moment as we honor JCUA’s past and build a more just future for all. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.