STATEMENTS & UPDATES

"Voting is a civic sacrament" -Theodore Hesburgh  Dear Friends, It is a longstanding tradition that non-partisan groups across the spectrum help foster democracy by encouraging people to vote. The last few years have upended nearly every aspect of the way in which we...

“Suffrage is the pivotal right” -Susan B. Anthony Shalom Friends, We are just days away from the upcoming election amidst a challenging election season. We cannot stress enough the importance of voting, and having your voice heard in our democratic process. Don’t be...

JCRC Board Chair Alan Zeichick, and JCRC Secretary Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, are quoted in this AZ Republic article about the anniversary of the October 7th attack on Israel. JCRC Board Chair also was recently quoted in the AZ Republic on AZ State Sen Wendy Rogers...

We have been made aware of political street signs implying AZ State Senator Christine Marsh is against Holocaust education by concerned members of the Jewish community. In reality, Senator Marsh voted against a single flawed bill HB2779 that was not supported by...

"Paul Rockower, the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, called Kelly “a strong friend of the Jewish community of Arizona as we have faced rising antisemitism.” " The JCRC was quoted in multiple articles on the possibility...

In response to Maricopa County Republican Committee co-Chair Shelby Busch's threatening, antisemitic remarks aimed at Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, the JCRC and ADL Desert issued a joint statement of condemnation:   The statement was included in...

“It’s the power of our experiences fighting antisemitism to be able to strengthen the community as a whole so that nobody is experiencing extremism on their own,” [Rockower] said. “We see this as our ability to be a light unto the nations.” Jewish Federations of North...

The Jewish Community Relations Council opposes HCR2060 as a misguided, politically-charged state measure to manage a federal issue to enforce immigration laws. Furthermore, it echoes past xenophobic laws that hurt our state. Don't play political games with immigration...

Something we are proud to share: JCRC Executive Director Paul Rockower is being awarded the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for work to help the Jewish community, and other vulnerable communities in Arizona, deal with extremism.  Read more about the award in...

"Community leaders said antisemitism and Islamophobia were already on the upswing for several years. But the Israel-Hamas war has accelerated antisemitism and Islamophobia by emboldening extremists, members of hate groups and white supremacist groups, they said....

"Paul Rockower, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, said the Phoenix group had not encountered any resistance and was prepared to celebrate Hanukkah “publicly and joyously.” 'There are certainly folks taking extra...

The JCRC is pleased to announce the recent addition of Amanda Garcia as the new Associate Director. Amanda Garcia has over a decade of experience as a Jewish communal professional as well as leadership roles on several boards including the Bureau of Jewish Education,...

"Paul Rockower, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, told the Mirror in a statement that his organization grieves for the loss of innocent lives and would support calls for a cease-fire only if all parties in the conflict...

"During my time at the JCRC, I have been able to work on projects that have affected me on a personal level and that I feel passionately about. I’ve helped pass legislation to protect some of the most vulnerable and marginalized religious communities in the state of...

JCRC Executive Director Paul Rockower will be honored as a 'Local Hero' by ONECommunity for his work with the JCRC to help the LGBTQ community of Arizona fight against rising hate and extremism. In an article in the Jewish News, he stated: “As Jews, our experiences...

"It’s neither shocking nor surprising that Rep. Gosar would employ an anti-Semitic, racist staffer in his congressional office," said Alan Zeichick, board chairman for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix in a written statement. "Rep. Gosar...

"Arizona Bi-Partisan Budget Efforts Help Create Vital Security Grant for the State’s Most Vulnerable Faith Communities"   PHOENIX, AZ – On Friday, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed the State Budget into law which included a $5 million state-based nonprofit security...

JCRC Executive Director Paul Rockower was invited to give remarks on behalf of the Jewish Community of Greater Phoenix to the Maricopa County Branch NAACP for its annual Freedom Fund Dinner and Community Awards program, "Defining Truth in Our Democracy" These were...

JCRC Executive Director/AFN Board Member Paul Rockower and Arizona Faith Network Executive Committee Member Rev. Gerald Richard were guests on Arizona PBS' AZ Horizon program to discuss SB1713, the state-based nonprofit security grant program to help...

“Congressman Gosar continues to show us exactly who he is and what he stands for. The man has no shame, and remains a stain on Arizona’s political landscape.” -Paul Rockower, executive director for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, Following...

The Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program (SB1713), sponsored by AZ State Senator David Gowan and supported by the Arizona Faith Network, passed the Arizona State Senate today in bipartisan fashion. We thank Senator Gowan for his leadership on this vital bill. The...

The JCRC initiative "Operation Snow Bird" to help provide winter coats for asylum-seekers heading on to colder climates via Jewish communities in more wintry spaces received some nice coverage in the Jewish News: "Operation Snowbird 2.0 collects hundreds of coats for...

The JCRC is pleased to welcome Zillah al-Kahiyah as our new Communications and Public Diplomacy Fellow! Zillah had been involved in the technical world, working in STEM. Prior she worked with, and wrote for the Colorado State House of Representatives during the 2019...

“Paul Rockower, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, said the issue is particularly acute in Arizona, where extremism is more common. For instance, Republican state Rep. Mark Finchem, a secretary of state candidate, and...

The JCRC thanks the Maricopa County Branch NAACP for its condemnation of Kanye West’s repeated antisemitism. Their statement was profound and meaningful. It is gratifying that stalwart friends in the African American community stand with us against hate and...