Putting Jewish Values Into Action
Who we are
The New York Jewish Agenda amplifies the voice of Jewish community leaders whose shared values motivate them to promote social justice, combat antisemitism, and support a democratic vision of Israel. We engage on critical issues across New York City and State through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
Why we exist
For too long, decision-makers in New York who seek the input of the Jewish community have listened to a small number of voices that don’t actually represent the interests of mainstream Jewish New Yorkers. While most New York Jews are supportive of movements for equality and justice in America and believe in democracy and peace in Israel, many powerful organizations that claim to speak on our behalf are either opposed to or don’t actively promote this agenda and vision. We founded NYJA because we refuse to let Jewish voices on the political right dominate the conversation about critical issues across New York city and state. We seek to rebalance the public debate by organizing and amplifying the voices of Jewish community leaders who share our values in the media, in issue-based coalitions, and in the halls of power.
How we do our work
New York Jewish Agenda advocates, educates, convenes, and collaborates with allies within and beyond the Jewish community to ensure the voices of liberal Jews in New York City and State are heard. We leverage a diverse network of Jews, of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, genders, and religious denominations to impact issues that affect Jews and other communities.
We draw on the values given to us in our Jewish tradition and in the rich history of New York Jewry to represent the liberal Jewish community in the media, in coalitions, in City Hall, and in Albany.
Criminal justice reform, the fair treatment of immigrants and minority communities, fighting racism and white supremacy, combating anti-Semitism, and supporting an Israel that prioritizes democracy and a just, negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are at core of who we are and constitute the vision we work towards every day.
Issues
New York Jewish Agenda draws on the values given to us in our Jewish tradition and in the rich history of New York Jewry to represent our community in the media, in coalitions, in City Hall, and in Albany. We seek to make our voices heard on three key areas important to liberal Jewish New Yorkers: Domestic social justice issues like criminal justice, health care disparities, and immigration. Combating anti-Semitism and ensuring Jews are treated fairly in public life. Supporting a democratic Israel at peace with its neighbors and in line with the liberal vision of its founding.
