As the central community relations agency of the organized Jewish community in our nation's capital, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington endeavors to foster a society based on freedom, justice and democratic pluralism for it is such a society which affords Jews, and all people, the conditions most conducive to individual security, equal opportunity and creative group survival. JCRC accomplishes this goal through their work in four pillars: government relations, Israel advocacy, inter-group relations, and social justice.
On behalf of over 100 constituent agencies, organizations and synagogues in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland, the JCRC determines a consensus on the broad range of public policy issues central to Jewish conscience and concern and then promulgates those concerns to Washington area legislators and civic, public opinion, media and interfaith leaders. The JCRC also coordinates community programs of information and advocacy on priority domestic and international issues.
What We Do
The JCRC works within our four pillars (government relations, Israel advocacy, inter-group relations, and social justice) to advocate for Jewish institutions and values, educate the community about key issues of concern, and reach out with our neighbors to build a better world for us all.
The JCRC is the chief government affairs of the local Jewish community at the state and local levels, advocating on a wide range of issues central to Jewish conscience and concern. Our work in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. builds a stronger community for all people.
The Israel Action Center empowers the community by training and mobilizing grass-roots activists to speak out for Israel. We advocate for support of Israel to political leaders and the media, and educate our regional community through regular briefings and programs.
Holocaust Remembrance & Education
For more than 4 decades, the JCRC has assumed the sacred responsibility of coordinating Holocaust remembrance and education events for our local community. Our annual Yom Ha’Shoah commemorations include hundreds of local survivors, their families, political leaders, and community members. Our Holocaust speakers bureau brings survivors to more than 5,000 students annually.
The JCRC takes a leading role in inter-group and interfaith coalitions throughout the region. We work with our brothers and sisters in the wider faith community to build relationships among communities and work with local governments to meet the needs of all.
The JCRC works in partnership with all stakeholders in our local schools to help ensure a welcoming environment where students of all backgrounds can learn in environments free from hate.
Annual Reports
