STATEMENTS & UPDATES
Supplemental Nonprofit Security Grant
“We know security remains both a major cost and concern for Jewish community institutions. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program National Security Supplemental program represents a tremendous opportunity to help alleviate the burden. We remain ready to help community...
JCRC Election Statement 2024
"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...
On the Coming Election
“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 in the press
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...
JCRC statement on politicization of Holocaust education
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...
JCRC quoted in Kelly veepstakes
"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...
Joint JCRC-ADL Statement condemning “Lynch” remarks
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...
Phoenix JCRC praised for uniting diverse communities on security
“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...
JCRC Opposition to HCR2060
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...
FBI recognizes local leader for protecting Arizona’s Jewish, marginalized communities
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...
Muslims, Jews in Arizona being forced to cope with increased polarization, tension
"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....
Hanukkah press
"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...
Welcoming new Associate Director
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,...
JCRC quoted in AZ Mirror
"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...
Joining the Fight to Protect Human Rights
"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 leader to be honored as ‘Local Hero’ by ONECommunity in October
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...
Denouncing Rep. Gosar’s Neo-Nazi connections
"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
"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...
Remarks for the Maricopa County Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner
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...
Meet the Press: SB1713
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...
Calling out Congressman Paul Gosar
“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...
AZ State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (SB1713) Passes AZ Senate
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...
Operation Snowbird 2.0 collects hundreds of coats for refugees heading north
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...
Welcoming New Communications & Public Diplomacy Fellow
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...
JCRC PHX in USA Today
“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...