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1998-1999
JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS
443 Park Averzue South
New York, NY 10016
telephorze 212.684.6950
fax 212.686.1353
Table of Contents
JCPA CONSTITUENT
ORGANIZATIONS 5
ISRAEL AND OTHER
INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS 7
8 Preamble
8 Middle East Peace Process
11 US - Israel Relations
12 Israel and the International Community
13 Intemational Terrorism and
Arms Control
15 American Jewish - Israel Relations
16 Human Rights
18 Jews in the Former Soviet Union
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND
SOCIAL JUSTICE 20
21 Preamble
22 Poverty and the Urban Agenda
2S Child Wcl6re
26 Revitalizing Public Education
27 Immigration and Refugee Policy
29 Ethnicity and Intergroup Relations
31 The Status of Women
33 Healthcarc
JEWISH SECURITY AND
THE BILL OF RIGHTS 35
36 Preamble
37 Religion in America
43 Constitutional Protections
45 Anti-Semitism
47 Holocaust Restitution and Accountability
48 Interreligious Relationships
THE ENVIRONMENT
AND JEWISH LIFE 51
52 Preamble
53 Climate Change
56 Biological Diversity
58 Environmental Health and Justice
SUMMARY OF 1998
PLENUM RESOLUTIONS 60
APPENDIX 63
63 The JCPA Mission Statement
65 The Role of the JCPA
67 Purpose of the JCPA
Public Affairs Agenda
68 How the Agenda was Formulated
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 69
]CPA CONSTITUENT ORGANIZATIONS 5
JCPA CONSTITUENT ORGANIZATIONS Delaware
Jewish Federation of Delaware
District c1 Columbia
National Agencies
Jewish Communiry Council of Greater..
American Jewish Committee
Washington (includes Northern Virginia
American Jewish Congress
and Montp;omery and Prince George's
B'llai B'rith/ Anti-Defamation League
Counties, Maryland)
Hadassah
Florida
Jewish Labor Committee
Jewish Federation of South Broward
Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.
Jewish Federation of Fort Lauderdale
National Council ofJewish Women
Jacksonville Jewish Federation
Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Jewish Federation of Lee and
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations
Charlotte Counties
of America
Greater Miami Jewish Federation
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism/
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando
Womens's League for Conservative Judaism
Jewish Federation ofPahn beach Counry
Women's American ORT
Jewish Federation of Pinellas County
Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation
Community Agencies
South Palm Beach Counry
AlabamCl
Jewish Federation
CRC of the Birmingham Jewish Federation
Geo~~ia
Arizol/a
Atlanta Jewish Federation
CRC of the Greater Phoenix Jewish
Savannah Jewish Federation
Federation
Illinois
JCRC of the Jewish Federation of
Indianapolis JCRC .
Southern Arizona
Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley
California
Iowa
Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach
Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines
and West Orange Counry
Km1sas (see Missouri)
JCRC of the Jewish Federation Council
KentIJ(ky .
of Greater Los Angeles
Central Kentucky Jewish Federation
Jewish Federation of Palm Springs
Jewish Communiry Federation of Louisville
and Desert Area
Louisiana
JCRC of Sacramento
Jewish Federation of Greater Baton Rouge
CRC of United Jewish Federation of
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans
San Diego Counry
Shreveport Jewish Federation
JCRC of San Francisco, the Peninsula,
Maine
Marin, Sonoma, Alameda and
Jewish Federation-Communiry Council of
Contra Costa Counties
Southern Maine
JCRC of Greater San Jose
Maryland
ConllcctiCII/
Baltimore Jewish Council
Jewish Federation of Greater Bridgeport
jI"fassadlllsetts
Jewish Federation of Greater Danbury
JCRC of Greater Boston
Jewish Federation of Eastern ConnectICut
Jewish Federation of North Shore
CRC ofJewish Federation of
Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford
Greater Hartford
Jewish Federation of Greater SpringfIeld
Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven
Worcester Jewish Federation
United Jewish Federation of Stamford
Michigan
Jewish Federation of Waterbury
Jewish Communiry Council of
Colorado
Metropolitan Detroit
The Jewish Federation of Colorado
Flint Jewish Federation
Ii JrWISll COUNCIL Fon l'UBLIC AFFAlns . AGENDA 1998-1999
Milll/CSOIa JCRC of Youngstown Area
JCRC of Minnesota and the Dakotas Jewish Federation
Misso",i Oklahoma
Jewish COIll1l1unity Relations Jc:wish Federation of Greater Oklahoma
Bureau/ American Jewish Committee of jewish Federation of Tulsa
Greater Kansas City Oregoll
St. LouisjCRC Jewish Federation of Portland
Nebraska Pellrlsylvallia
ADLlCRC of the Jewish Federation CRC of the Jewish Federation of Allentown
of Omaha Erie Jewish Community Council
Nell'jerse), CRC of the United Jewish Federation
Federation ofJewish Agencies of of Greater Harrisburg
Atlantic County JCRC of Greater Philadelphia
United Jewish Community CRC of the United Jewish Federation
Bergen County/North Hudson of Pitt,burgh
Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey Scranton-Lackawanna Jewish Federation
Jewish Federation of Clifton-Passaic Jewish Federation of Greater Wilkes-Barre
MetroWest United Jewish Feder,ltion York JCRC
jewish Federation of Greater Rhode Island
Middlesex County CRC of thc Jewish Federation of
JCRC of Greater Monmouth County Rhode Island
JeRC of the Jewish Federation of SOl/til Carolina
North Jersey Charleston Jewish Federation
JeRC of Southern New Jersey Columbia Jewish Federation
Jewish Federation of mercer and ]"wncssce
Bucks Counties J CR C of the Memphis Jewish Federation
New Mexico Jewish Federation of Nashville and
Jewish Federation of Greater Albuquerque Middle Tennessce
New},>rk Texas
Jewish Federation of Broome County Jewish Federation of Austin
Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo JCRC of the Jewish Fcderation of
Elmira Jewish Welfare Fund Greater Dallas
Jewish Federation of Greater Kingston JCRC of the Jewish Federation ofEI Paso
JCRC of New York Jewish Federation of Fort Worth
United Jewish Federation of and Terrant County
Northeastern New York CRC of the Jewish Federation of
jewish Federation of Greater Orange County Greater Houston
Jewish Community Federation JCRC of the Jewish Federation of
of Rochester San Antonio
Syracuse Jewish Federation Vi~~il/ia
Utica Jewish Fc!deration United Jewish Community of the
Ollio Virginia Peninsula
Akronjewish Community Federation jewish Community Federation of
Canton Jewish Community Federation Richmond
Cincinnati JCRC United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
Cleveland Jewish Community Federation J,f/aslril1gton
CRC of the Columbus Jewish Federation Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
J CR C of the J cwish Federation of Wisconsill
Greater Dayton Madison Jewish Community Council
CRC of the Jewish Federatioll of Milwaukee Jewish Council
Greatcr Toledo
--~
ISRAEL AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS 7
Israel and
Other International
Concerns
((Pray for the peace
(ifJerusalem, )J
-PSALMS, 122:6
h e organized Jewish community feels a profound identification with Israel, and a
deep commitment to its survival and security. American Jews, and Americans gener-
ally, understand that the long-term national interests of the United States and Israel
coincide - a premise underscored by Israel's important role as America's only polit-
ically stable and militarily effective ally in the Middle East, and reinforced by the
unique cultural and political affinity between the two countries. Reflecting this
recognition, all American governments have been committed to Israel's security and
to facilitating Israel's ongoing search for peace with its Arab neighbors. However, the
vigihnt involvement of the organized Jewish community has been a vital factor fos-
tering such policies by past administrations and Congresses.
Moreover, American Jewry's unique and fortunate position, combined with its deep
sense of KIaI Israel, has allowed it to respond quickly to the needs of other Jewish
communities in difficulty or danger. Similarly, American Jews are concerned about the
rights of individuals throughout the world and, therefore, support the vigorous applica-
tion of human rights principles in the pursuit of American foreign policy objectives.
JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AI'FAIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
PREAMBLE
The United States continues to grapple with the complex international
challenges presented by the post-Cold War era. There are vigorous
debates, including within the organized American Jewish community,
about the most effective policies to pursue in order to advance this nation's
national interests abroad. The Jewish Council for Public Affairs, reflecting
the traditional Jewish mandate of tikkull o/am (mending the world),
strongly believes that those interests include promoting democracy and
peace, protecting human rights and stimulating economic growth
throughout the world. The field will convey this message to U.S. policy-
makers and opinion-molders, and will seek to broaden American public
understanding of the need for sustained U.S. engagement in the interna-
tional arena.
MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS
According to the Interim The Jewish community
Agreement (Oslo II), Israel
relations field has a
and the Palestinian Author-
ity (PA) are scheduled to heightened responsibility
conclude negotiations over to interpret developments
the permanent status issues in the peace process to
no later than May 1999.
These issues include the sta-
decision-makers and
tus of Jerusalem, borders, the opinion-molders in the
nature of the Palestinian general community and to
entity, refugees and Jewish
nurture consensus within
settlements. Israeli Prime
Minister Bel~aI1lin Netanyahu the Jewish community.
- arguing that the step-by-step approach to peacemaking can only be
effective if the parties reach agreement, at least in general terms, about the
ultimate objectives of the peace process - has urged an acceleration of the
permanent status talks. Based on the principle of reciprocity, the Prime
Minister also has conditioned further redeployments in the West Bank on
ISRAEL AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS 9
the PA's fulfillment of its obligations contained in the signed agreements
with Israel. Most importantly, Palestinian security personnel arc expected
to coordinate fully with Israeli security forces and to undertake a sustained
effort to combat terrorism, particularly to dismantle the infrastructure that
enables Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other extremist groups to launch their
deadly attacks against Israeli civilians. Despite periods of obvious effort,
their overall performance has been inadequate. In addition, the Palestinians
should implement their commitment, contained in the U.S. "Note for the
Record" attached to the Hebron Protocol, to complete the process of
revising the Palestinian National Charter. PA Chairman Yasser Arafat,
while not ruling out accelerated permanent status talks, has accused Prime
Minister Netanyahu of using this proposal to avoid meeting Israel's obliga-
tions under the Oslo Accords.
Supported by Egypt and the other Arab states (with the notable excep-
tion of Jordan), the Palestinians have intensified their effort to mobilize
international pressure against Israel. Instead of seeking to resolve their dif-
ferences with Israel directly, the Palestinians are pressing the adoption of
one-sided resolutions at the United Nations which predetermine the out-
come of permanent status negotiations. In addition, they have called on the
Arab world to freeze the process of normalization with Israel. Only Jordan,
Tunisia, Oman, Kuwait and Yemen sent official delegations to the 1997
Middle East and North Africa Economic Summit held in Doha, Qatar.
The Jewish community relations field has a heightened responsibility to
interpret developments in the peace process to decision-makers and opin-
ion-molders in the general community and to nurture consensus within
the Jewish community. The field is called upon to stress its continuing
support of the Oslo Accords. The field also supports the ongoing, active
U.S. engagement as the primary facilitator of that process. The JCPA
stresses that any solution must take into accollnt Israel's fundamental secu-
.rity requirements. In order to be viable, the permanent status arrangement
must also take into account the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
In addition, the field strongly supports Israel's commitment to maintain
Jerusalem as its eternal, undivided capital and again urges the
Administration to implement fully the Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Act
of 1995, which calls for the transfer of the u.s. embassy from Tel Aviv to
10 JEWISII COUNCIL FOR l'untlC AFFAIIIS • AGENDA 199H-I999
Jerusalem by May 1')99. Efforts in support of this position are particularly
crucial since some Arab-American and liberal Protestant groups have
launched a nationwide campaign calling for the "sharing" of Jerusalem,
which is widely understood as expressing support for a redivision of
Jerusalem between Israeli and Palestinian sovereignties.
The 105th Congress continued to lend important support to the peace-
making effort by appropriating timds to Israel and its peace partners. The
field supported an increase in funds for Jordan in FY 98 in order to
demonstrate to the Jordanian people the tangible benefits of making peace
with Israel. The JCPA calls on Egypt, which continues to receive $2.1 bil-
lion in U.S. foreign aid, to enhance its bilateral relationship with Israel and
to address the problem of anti-Semitism in the media and other important
sectors of Egyptian society. In response to the failure of the PA to meet its
commitments under the Oslo Accords, Congress prohibited U.S. aid from
flowing directly to the PA but maintained support for projects carried out
by non-governmental agencies operating in Palestinian areas. The JCPA
encourages Congress to continue viewing aid to the PA as a tool to press
the Authority toward compliance with its Oslo commitments. At the same
time, this position must be balanced against the danger of crippling the PA
and the impact of that development on prospects for peace.
Syrian President Hafez al Assad continues to resist Israeli overtures to
enter serious bilateral negotiations that could lead to a peace treaty.
Moreover, the Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon have
escalated their attacks against Israeli soldiers and, at times, against civilian
targets inside Israel. With Israeli casualties mounting, there is a growing
debate within Israel regarding the possibi·lity of withdrawing military
forces from the security zone in southern Lebanon. Syria, which remains
on the U.S. State Department list of nations that support terrorism, is per-
mitting weapons and other material support to reach the Hezbollah.
However, the Administration removed Syria and Lebanon from the list of
countries that engage in illicit drug trafficking. This step was opposed by
some Congressional leaders who saw it as an undeserved gesture to Syria's
leadership. Finding effective ways of mov.ing Syria to desist from its sup-
port of terrorism and to enter into productive negotiations with Israel
remains a difficult challenge.
ISRAEL AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS I I
US-ISRAEL RELATIONS
The mutually beneficial ~11i The ]CPA believes that
ance between the U.S. and
continuing foreign aid to
Israel remains solidly grounded
on the foundation of shared Israel is a wise investment
democratic and moral values in our most reliable ally in
as well as geo-political and the volatile Middle East
strategic interests. President
Clinton and senior officials in
where fundamental U.S.
his Administration have con- national interests remain
sistcntly demonstrated a deep at stake.
commitment to Israel's secu-
rity and economic well-being. This is manifested in the Administration's
advocacy of generous foreign assistance packages to Israel and to Israel's
peace partners, the personal and ongoing involvement of the President and
Secretary of State in efforts to advance the peace process, enhanced mili-
tary cooperation and intelligence sharing, and diplomatic support at the
U.N. and other international forums.
The 105th Congress, reflecting the close bond~ of friendship between Israel
and the American people, showed its understanding of Israel's security
rcquirements by maintaining the current level of foreign aid to Israel in FY 98
and appropriating funds to Israel's peace partners. Reflecting the growing
strength of its economy, Israel has proposed a gradual phasing out of the
$1.8 billion in U.S. economic assistance and an increase in military support
from S 1.8 billion to $2.4 billion. The ]CPA believes that continuing foreign
aid to Israel is a wise investment in our most reliable ally in the volatile
Middle East where fundamental U.S. national interests remain at stake. The
serious erosion in the overall foreign aid budget, which characterized past
Congressional sessions, was largely stemmed in the first session of the 105th
Congress. The field should convey to members of Congress in the second ses-
sion the importance of a robust foreign aid program in other parts of the world
as a means of promoting democratic institutions and market economies.
As the administration has attempted to resolve the impasse in the peace
process and to enable the parties to move toward negotiation of the per-
..--'---~---
@ .. $(,%).1 4.. ...
ISRAEL AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS 13
port of the field, the U.S. is seeking to persuade the international commu-
nity - especially the Palestinians and the Arab states - that this approach
will not succeed in advancing the peace process. Only through direct bilat-
eral negotiations can the parties hope to resolve their differences. Israel
remains the only member state of the U.N. which does not belong to one
of the geo-political groups. Membership in such a group, which must be
voted on unanimously by the group, is a prerequisite for serving on the
Security Council and other important U.N. bodies. The ]CPA encourages
the Administration to continue supporting Israel's efforts to gain member-
ship in the Western European and Others Group (WEOG). Membership
in the Asian Group - that includes such countries as Iran and Iraq - is
clearly not feasible at the present time. Notwithstanding these concerns,
the ]CPA continues to support full U.S. payment of its debt to the United
Nations.
INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM AND ARMS CONTROL
Terrorism, whether by rogue The ]CPA welcomed
states or extremist groups,
continues to threaten the
the Administration's
security and peace of the firm stand against Saddam
entire civilized world. Of Hussein and continues to
particular concern is Iran's
strongly support the U.N.
growing arsenal of conven-
tional and non-conventional
m01zitoring €frort in Iraq
weapons. foreign invest- until all the weapons of
ment aimed at modernizing mass destruction are found
Iran's aging oil industry
enables Iran to spend its
and destroyed.
money elsewhere - amassing weapons and providing encouragement and
tangible assistance to many terrorist groups. The Iran-Libya Sanctions Act
of 1996 (ILSA) imposes sanctions for investment of more than $20 million
per year by a foreign entity in Iran's petroleum sector. A major test of
ILSA emerged in October 1997, when Total of France, Gasprom of Russia
and Petronas of Malaysia were awarded a $2 billion contract to develop a
12 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFfAIRS· AGENDA 1998-1999
manent status issues, some policy differences and strains have emerged
between Washington and Jerusalem. Among other issues, the
Administration believes Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank and
Gaza Strip has detracted from the peacemaking atmosphere. Against this
backdrop, the Clinton Administration is weighing how best to balance the
special U.S. alliance with Israel with the need to be a credible L1cilitator of
the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Heretofore, the U.S. has played an
important, but relatively restrained role in the peace process - offering
encouragement and constructive ideas as well as tangible incentives. There
is growing discussion in Israel and within segments of American Jewry as
well about the pros and cons of the U.S. becoming more assertive in
bringing the parties together and articulating principles that will guide
their future negotiations.
The JCPA, in fulfiIling its interpretive responsibilities within the Jewish
and general communities, will be called upon to provide context and per-
spective with regard to the complex issues in the peace process. At the
same time, the field should maintain the focus of policy-makers and
American opinion-molders on the broad areas of consensus that undergird
the US-Israel partnership. As always, the field must inform Israeli leader-
ship of trends - particularly shifts in attitude and reactions of the Jewish
community, the American public and policy-makers - related to devel-
opments in the Middle East, including Israeli policies and actions.
ISRAEL AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
As difficulties have surfaced Israel remains the only
in the peace process, the
Palestinians have escalated
member state of the U.N.
their campaign to isolate which does not belong
Israel diplomatically and to one of the geo-political
even economically in order
groups.
to build international pres-
sure on the Netanyahu Government. The United Nations is once again
being used as a forum for this purpose as mentioned above. Regrettably,
Egypt has joined with the Palestinians in leading this effort. With the sup-
--. __ '_ ... r . _ _ ~
ISRAEL AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS 13
port of the field, the U.S. is seeking to persuade the international commu-
nity - especially the Palestinians and the Arab states - that this approach
will not succeed in advancing the peace process. Only through direct bilat-
eral negotiations can the parties hope to resolve their differences. Israel
remains the only member state of the U.N. which does not belong to one
of the geo-political groups. Membership in such a group, which must be
voted on unanimously by the group, is a prerequisite for serving on the
Sl'curity Council and other important U.N. bodies. The ]ePA encourages
the Administration to continue supporting Israel's efforts to gain member-
ship in the Western European and Others Group (WEOG). Membership
in the Asian Group - that includes such countries as Iran and Iraq - is
clearly not feasible at the present time. Notwithstanding these concerns,
the ]CPA continues to support full U.S. payment of its debt to the United
Nations.
INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM AND ARMS CONTROL
Terrorism, whether by rogue The ]CPA welcomed
states or extremist groups,
continues to threaten the
the Administration's
security and peace of the firm stand against Saddam
entire civilized world. Of Hussein and continues to
particular concern is Iran's
strongly support the U.N.
growing arsenal of conven-
tional and non-conventional
monitoring if.fort in Iraq
weapons. Foreign invest- until all the weapons of
ment aimed at modernizing mass destruction are found
Iran's aging oil industry
enables Iran to spend its
and destroyed.
money elsewhere - amassing weapons and providing encouragement and
tangible assistance to many terrorist groups. The Iran-Libya Sanctions Act
of 1996 (ILSA) imposes sanctions for investment of more than $20 million
per year by a foreign entity in Iran's petroleum sector. A major test of
ILSA emerged in October 1997, when Total of France, Gasprom of Russia
and Petronas of Malaysia were awarded a $2 billion contract to develop a
'4 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFfAIUS . AGENDA 1998-1999
major Iranian gas field. The ]CPA urged the Administration to impose
sanctions available under ILSA against the three companies, and continues
to support a strong U.S. effort to encourage our European and Asian allies
not to deal with Iran. Technology transfers from Russia and others have
helped Iran in its effort to acquire ballistic missiles and weapons of mass
destruction. The Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act of 1997, which
would require the imposition of sanctions against companies that violate
U.S. legal prohibitions against the transfer of missile technology to Iran,
was introduced in Congress in October 1997.
This past year, Saddam Hussein challenged the United Nations Special
Commission (UNSCOM) by expelling its weapons inspectors and barring
access to so-called presidential sites. A U.S. military strike was averted, at
least temporarily, when U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan negotiated an
agreement on February 23, 1998 assuring unfettered and unconditional
UNSCOM access to all Iraqi sites. However, Saddam Hussein's brazen act
underscored the fragility of the Gulf War coalition and the willingness of
some countries - particularly France and Russia - to lift the sanctions
imposed on Iraq after the Gulf War and to set a date for the completion of
U.N. inspections. The ]CPA welcomed the Administration's finn stand
against Saddam Hussein and continues to strongly support the U.N. mon-
itoring effort in Iraq until all the weapons of mass destruction are found
and destroyed.
Other states that support terrorism, including North Korea, Libya and
Syria, continue to develop weapons of mass destruction. The ]CPA urges
the U.S. to enforce more stringent international controls on the sale and
transfer of advanced weapons and technology. Toward that end, the field
welcomed the Senate's ratification of the Chemical Weapons Treaty in
April 1997. The ]CPA urges the Senate to ratifY the Comprehensive Test
Ban Trcaty, an important vehicle for discouraging the development of
atomic devices and other weapons of mass destruction worldwide.
I S RAE LAN D () THE II· I N TEll NAT ION ALe () NeE II N S 15
AMERICAN JEWISH-ISRAEL RELATIONS
Relations between Israel and The ]CPA ... is primarily
wide segments of the
focusing its attention on
American Jewish commu-
nity continued to be severely developing community
strained over proposed legis- models for dealing with
lation codifying the Chief these sensitive questions in
Rabbinate's exclusive
authority with regard to
an atmosphere of civility
conversions in Israel. This and m.utual respect.
legislation, initially backed
by the governing coalition
in Israel, was drafted in response to advances made by the Reform and
Conservative movements in Israel toward judicial recognition of conver-
sions conducted under their auspices. Prime Minister Netanyahu estab-
lished a committee under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Yaacov
Neeman with the mandate to find a solution that would be acceptable to all
three parties. The committee, which was comprised of one Reform, one
Conservative and five Orthodox representatives, reached consensus on a
two-part plan. While we applaud the efforts of the Neeman Committee,
its proposal has been met with mixed reaction in both Israel and the
American Jewish community and the fate of the plan remains uncertain.
The challenge of maintaining Jewish unity was the focus of the 1997
General Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations (CJF) in
Indianapolis. The CJF reaffirmed the resolution passed at last year's
General Assembly urging the Israeli Government not to change the cur-
rent situation with respect to recognition of conversions or any aspect of
the Law of Return. The United Jewish Appeal has made a commitment to
try to raise $10 million for each of the religious movements in support of
their programs in Israel that enhance diversity and tolerance. This amount
would be added to the substantial funds already flowing to such initiatives,
especially through the Jewish Agency for Israel. Individual federations also
have begun to give direct support to religious diversity in Israel, including
through programs carried out under the aegis of Partnership 2000. The
1(\ JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS· AGENDA 199 8 - 1 999
jCPA, which brings together the principal synagogue movements along
with an extensive system of national and local member agencies, is primarily
focusing its attention on developing community models for dealing with
these sensitive questions in an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect.
The jCPA is continuing to work in coalition with its member agencies
and other jewish organizations to address the serious absorption problems
facing Ethiopian immigrants in Israel, especially in the area of education. The
ficld's priority has been advocacy directed to the Israeli Government seeking
support for supplementary and remedial programs for children of all ages.
The JCPA also welcomes the decision to bring to Israel all of the residents
of the former Solomon compound in Addis Ababa (the Falash Mura).
The JCPA also is working with the CJF in planning the 1998 General
Assembly in Jerusalem that will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the
Jewish State. The major themes of this event will be the ingathering of
Jewish immigrants from across the world, nation-building and the devel-
opment of a synthesis of Jewish and democratic values.
HUMAN RIGHTS
December 10, 1998 will The ]CPA is strongly
mark the 50th anniversary of committed to the protection
the Universal Declaration of
of human rights around
Human Rights, a document
developed by the interna- the world and continues to
tional community in emphasize to President
response to the horrors per- Clinton and the 105th
petrated against the Jewish
people and others during
Congress that securing
World War II. The JCPA is human rights must be
strongly committed to the an integral part of u.s.
protection of human rights
around the world and con-
foreign policy.
tin lies to emphasize to President Clinton and the I05th Congress that
securing human rights must be an integral part of u.S. foreign policy. A
debate has emerged over the best way to promote this policy - through
,
I 1 S RAE I. AND 0 THE R 1 N T F. RNA T I () N ALe (J NeE R N S 17
I
J constructive engagement with countries that continue to violate basic
I
human rights or by imposing economic and other sanctions. The JCPA
J
believes that each situation should be examined separately, with a view
1 toward developing an approach that has the greatest chance of achieving
1 the desired result.
i Genocide and other egregious forms of human rights abuses are taking
place in many parts of the world. Since 1950, China has engaged in the
I systematic persecution of the Tibetan people through imprisonment, tor-
I ture, rape and the execution of supporters of the Dalai Lama. In East
Timor, the Indonesian occupation fi)rces have murdered a significant por-
1 tion of the civilian population and tortured many others. Thousands of
innocent civilians have been slaughtered during the recent unrest in
I
!
Algeria. Genocidal conflicts continue to take a terrible toll in central
Africa. TheJCPA appeals to the Administration and to the United Nations
to develop effective responses to these and other humanitarian crises.
The field continues to support U.S. involvement in the international
effort to implement the Dayton Accords as well as full cooperation with
the work of the Bosnian War Crimes Tribunal. To date, the effort to cap-
ture and prosecute Bosnian war criminals has been disappointing. The
JCPA urges the Administration - in cooperation with other NATO
coalition forces - to intensity its efforts to arrest all individuals indicted by
the War Crimes Tribunal. In light of the atrocities committed in that
region, the field supported the Administration's decision to maintain U.S.
personnel- as part of an international force - in Bosnia beyond the June
1998 deadline previously approved by Congress.
The ad hoc war crimes tribunals established in recent years to address
violations in Bosnia and Rwanda hi'ghlight the need to establish a perma-
nent court to prosecute individuals accused of serious violations of interna-
tionallaw. The proposed International Criminal Court (ICC), scheduled
to be the subject of a major diplomatic conference in Rome in 1998,
would be empowered to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war
crimes and crimes against humanity. The JCPA supports this initiative as an
important step toward securing intermtional human rights.
Consistent with the field's deep and abiding commitment to the protec-
tion of individual human rights and the fundamental belief that all people
18 JEWISH COUNCIL FOil PUBLIC AFFAIRS' AGENDA 1998-/999
should be free to worship as they choose, the JCPA viewed the Freedom
From Religious Persecution Act as an important initiative in raising con-
sciousness about the plight of religious minorities abroad. As this legislative
initiative has moved through Congress, the field, in close consultation
with coalition partners, is examining the particular provisions of the bill.
The ]CPA also welcomes the effort of the State Department's AdvisOlY
Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad that was created to explore
solutions to these issues.
JEWS IN THE FORMER SOVIET UNION
(developed by the National COliference on Soviet Jewry)
A wide range of both new Jewish leaders in the FS U
and ongoing issues faces the
remain concerned that their
approximately 1,000,000
Jews remaining in the for- respective governments
mer Soviet Union. These have not reacted vigorously
vary by location based on enough to manifestations
many factors including the
local political, economic,
<if anti-Semitism.
and social dynamics. While generally remaining steady, the emigration rate
of Jews has increased in certain areas of economic or political distress.
Emigration remains open as a matter of policy despite certain systemic
problems such as bribery or unrealistic documentation requirements. In IIlJny
instances, Jewish leaders in the FSU remain concerned that their respective
governments have 1I0t reacted vigorously enough to manifestations of anti-
Semitism. Serious incidents of anti-Semitism continue in Russia and
Ukraine. The past year also has seen a rise of anti-Semitism in Belarus and
Lithuania. Jewish communal life continues to normalize while confronted
with the harsh economic situation aftecting the elderly and other vulnera-
ble segments of society.
During the past year, a newly-amended religion law was passed in
Russia. The law was intended to strengthen the position of the Russian
Orthodox Church against other Christian denominations and, it was
asserted, also to prevent the growth of cults, dangerous sects, and other
-----.--~
ISRAEL AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS 19
non-traditional religious groups from abroad. Parts of the Jewish commu-
nity in Russia supported the law or avoided opposing it. Yet the Vaad of
Russia, and some Jewish religious leaders, joined western groups in voic-
ing opposition because the law was viewed as undemocratic, unnecessarily
intrusive in personal affairs, and reminiscent of Soviet control over reli-
gion. The unarticulated fear was that, in the filture, another more repres-
sive government might abuse the law in a way that would restrict the prac-
tice ofJews and other religious minorities.
A report issued by Israeli intelligence asserts that Russia is helping Iran
to produce nuclear missiles capable of reaching Israel and western Europe
that will be operational within the next two years. Israel and the U.S. have
both begun to vigorously protest to Russia. Both the religion law and the
Iran connection may disrupt U.S. - Russian relations and may have a neg-
ative impact on the Russian Jewish community or Russian relations with
Israel. The negative reaction in Congress has already stalled Russia's
attempts to be graduated from Jackson-Vanik.
The Jewish community relations field, in full, ongoing consultation
with the Jewish communities living in the FSU, should actively participate
in advocacy efforts on behalf of Jews in the FSU as needed and remain
engaged in renewal of Jewish communal life through Kehilla Projects,
humanitarian assistance, and other exchanges.
20 JEWISH COUNCIL rOR PUBLIC AFfAIRS· AGENDA 1998-1999
Equal Opportunity
and Social Justice
((Let justice
well up as waters,
and righteousness
as a mighty stream. "
-AMOS, 5:24
L e fundamental premise of the field ofJewish community affairs is to foster con-
ditions conducive to Jewish security and creative Jewish living in a free society. Such
conditions require a society committed to equal rights, justice and opportunity. Their
denial breeds social tensions, conflicts and dislocations, leading to threats to the
democratic process in general and to the Jewish community in particular. The stake
of the organized American Jewish community in a strong democratic society is rein-
forced by the moral imperative of the Jewish community to pursue social justice.
This commitment flows from Jewish religious mandates, tradition, and the millennial
experience of the Jewish people.
F.QUAL OPPORTUNITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 2 I
~MBLE
After decades in which huge federal deficits dominated political discourse,
the government is expected to begin running a surplus next year. Debates
have begun already about how to invest the money. Among those who
believe the federal government should continue to reduce its role in the
life of the nation, further devolving power to states and to the private sec-
tor, pressures have been strong to return the money in the form of more
tax cuts. However, while tax cuts may stimulate the economy, creating
more jobs, leading social scientists have noted these measures are not suffi-
cient to address the needs of the nation's poorest citizens - welfare recip-
ients unable to find jobs and the unskilled working poor, whose jobs do
not pay enough to support their families. The federal government must
invest, they argue, in skills-training and urban area job-creation, expand
access to health care, child care, and affordable housing, and reinvest in
other support services, to facilitate successful transitions from welfare to
sustainable work. Many of these programs were cut sharply and dispropor-
tionately in the wake of efforts to eliminate the federal deficit. The orga-
nized Jewish community, which historically has held that the federal gov-
ernment has a primary responsibility to provide for the basic needs of its
most vulnerable citizens, believes that responsible investment in the
nation's future requires, as a priority, renewed federal attention to funding
for services which meet those needs.
At the same time, the organized Jewish community shares the national
concern regarding the need for long-term financial solutions to the loom-
ing shortfall in Medicare and Social Security. Strong arguments support the
view that the nation's long-range interests may be served best if budget
surpluses are preserved primarily for use either to cover the initial costs of
reforming the Social Security system or to begin paying down the nation's
$5.5 trillion debt. Reducing the debt, it is argued, could free resources to
shore up Social Security and Medicare. Although reliance on budget sur-
pluses alone will not fully address the problem, arguably these funds may
provide one part of a larger solution. The President's call for a moratorium
on spending budget surpluses pending development of a plan to preserve
Social Security recognizes the salience of these arguments. As the nation
22 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFfAIRS· AGENDA 199 8 - 1 999
turns its attention to refimning Medicare and Social Security, the orga-
nized Jewish community will support initiatives which preserve the enti-
tlement viability of both programs and which assure full access to all bene-
fits by lower income beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, in the shadow of recent funding cuts, the Jewish community
will continue its efforts to provide services and address concerns of immi-
grants and refugees denied access to federal food stamps and other public
benefits, and will advocate vigorously the restoration of food stamp benefits.
Work with coalition partners to address broad anti-poverty concerns will
continue as well, especially efforts to protect vulnerable children and to pro-
vide services which facilitate successful transitions from welfare to work.
As new immigrant populations are absorbed, invigorating inner city com-
munities and the economy, but also increasing pressures on some social
services and on the schools, the nation will continue to struggle with the
task of improving public education. Moreover, in an increasingly diverse
society, questions of race, ethnicity, and gender will provoke new attempts
to eliminate affirmative action programs, despite evidence that problems of
discrimination based on race and gender have yet to be resolved.
POVERTY AND THE URBAN AGENDA
While the nation enjoys a .. .gaps between rich and
strong economy and rising
income levels, income for
poor have continued to
the poorest 20 percent of widen and ... these condi-
families has continued to tions, if not addressed could
decline, according to a
weaken the social fabric if
Census Bureau report. The
share of national income
the nation ...
going to the top five percent of households in 1996 rose to 21.4 percent,
the highest level the Census Bureau has ever recorded. These develop-
ments are consistent with a long-term trend in which gaps between rich
and poor have continued to widen and benefits of income growth have
accrued disproportionately to the affluent. There are concerns that these
conditions, if not addressed, could weaken the social fabric of the nation,
EQUAL OPPOIITUNITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 23
isolating those for whom society has failed to provide economic security,
and increasing intergroup tensions and conflict. The disparity is seen most
sharply in urban communities, where access to new jobs and opportunity
to develop the skills needed for higher paying jobs is limited or non-exis-
tent. In these circumstances, poor families have grown more socially and
economically isolated and more physically concentrated. Moreover, the
lack of quality affordable housing in urban areas has added to the problem
of homelessness, potentially impeding the economic turnaround of urban
communities. While some insist that continued economic growth will
solve these problems, others have suggested there are ways to provide
more direct assistance to those who would otherwise not share in the gen-
eral prosperity. The JCPA supports expansion of two existing programs
proven effective in providing direct assistance: Health care subsidies for
low income workers, and the Earned Income Tax Credit, which raises
incomes for many of the working poor by as much as forty percent.
Moreover, the ]CPA recognizes that erosion in the wages of low wage
workers has been a major factor underlying persistent poverty and the
widening income gap. The JCPA therefore supports a further increase in
the minimum wage, raised to $5.15 per hour two years ago and still 18
percent below its average value in the late 1970s. Further, the ]CPA sup-
ports the concept of linking the minimum wage to the annual Consumer
Price Index to address the ongoing need to sustain a flexible, realistic min-
imum wage level, reflective of changing economic conditions.
Although the nation's welfare rolls have declined sharply, the reasons
have less to do with the 1996 welfare law (which ended 60 years of feder-
ally-guaranteed cash assistance to eligible, low-income families) than with
the sustained strength of the economy. The President's Council of
Economic Advisors attributes more than 40 percent of the decline to eco-
nomic growth, about 30 percent to state experiments begun before the
new law was signed, and the rest to other policy initiatives. Many of those
now leaving welfare are the easiest-to-employ. Sustained success will
depend on whether they can remain in the workforce and on what hap-
pens as states turn to the most difficult cases. I n order to sustain the transi-
tion from welfare to work, states will have to ensure adequate funding for
job training and support services, including childcarc, Medicaid, and trans-
24 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR I'UBLIC AFI'AIRS . AGENDA 1998-1999
portation, and for many of the hardest-to-employ, mental health counsel-
ing and substance abuse treatment. Although states are providing these ser-
vices, in no case has a state earmarked funding sufficient to fill the gap cre-
ated by federal cuts, and questions remain regarding what will happen if
the economy slows. The JCPA believes that states should emphasize strong
job placement and training programs - including successful welfare-to-
work programs - and the provision of transportation and child care ser-
vices to help more low-income families make a successful transition from
welfare to work.
The Administration has insisted that workfare jobs welfare recipients are
required to take in return for benefits be subject to federal workplace pro-
tections, covering health, safety, and civil rights laws. Opponents argue
that these requirements will make costs for workfare programs prohibitive.
That contention, however, does not take into account the strength of the
economy and additional funds now available to the states. However, pres-
sures from governors to remove these protections may grow as debate
continues. Responding to the ethical imperative to respect and protect the
basic rights of working people to safe, decent, secure, working conditions,
the JCPA supports the Administration's commitment to provide worker
protections for workfare workers. Moreover, with the increased competi-
tion from welfare recipients for low-wage jobs, there are concerns that
lower employment costs for workfare workers might depress wages and
increase job displacement pressures, endangering the income security of
working poor families.
Finally, noting the Jewish community's own historical experience as immi-
grants to this country, the JCPA recently reaffirmed its commitment to the
campaign to eliminate sweatshops and to end exploitative child labor.
"'7
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 25
CHILD WELFARE
Some four million children Studies show that
under age 12 go hungry, and
high quality, supportive
about 9.6 million more are
at ri~k of hunger, according childcare can help provide
to the Community Child- low-income children with
hood Hunger Identification the foundation needed to
Project. With implementa-
tion of the new welfare law,
do well in school and
every family using food become productive adults.
stamps to help feed its chil-
dren has already begun to see benefits reduced or terminated. While food
stamps have remained a federal entitlement, the welfare bill sharply cut
funding and denied food stamps entirely to certain jobless adults and most
legal immigrants. The ]CPA has joined with coalition partners in urging
Congress and the Administration to raise food stamp benefit levels and
secure the nutritional well-being of children, the elderly, and the disabled.
Meanwhile, some states have attempted to fill the gap, and while they are
unlikely to replace the full amount of federal aid that has been withdrawn,
they can and should be encouraged to help mitigate the problem of hunger.
For low- and moderate-income women, whose financial earnings are
essential to the support of their families, quality childcare, often unafford-
able, is a particular concern. Studies show that high quality, supportive
childcare can help provide low-income children with the foundation
needed to do well in school and become productive adults. Yet, six out of
seven child care centers provide care that is mediocre to poor; one in eight
jeopardize children's safety and development, recent studies show. The
dilemma for working poor families is likely to become even more acute.
The welfare bill reduced funding for federal childcare subsidies for low-
income children and expanded work requirements for welfare recipients,
thereby increasing the need for childcare. As a result, states will be chal-
lenged to provide enough care to meet the demands of welfare reform
while continuing to serve non-welfare families. Following a White House
Conference on Child Care, President Clinton proposed specifIC initiatives
26 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFl'AIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
to improve the caliber and availability of child care and promised to intro-
duce broad legislation to address issues of quality, access, and affordability.
The ]CPA has a longstanding policy supporting access to quality childcare
for all families and better health and safety protections in child care settings.
REVITALIZING PUBLIC EDUCATION
The ]CPA reaffmns its long- In February 1998, follow-
standing commitment to the
ing an extensive yearlong
nation's public schools, and
to supporting sound, innov-
policy re-examination, the
ative educational programs ]CPA reciffirmed its
that will improve public opposition to government
school education. Leaders in
Congress can be expected to
subsidized vouchers for
renew attempts made last non-public education.
year, and opposed by the
]CPA, to send federal funds to local school districts in the form of block
grants, attempting to end state accountability for use of federal education
funds, and to propose voucher bills, opportunity scholarships and tuition
tax credit~, allowing families in economically depressed areas to use public
dollars to pay private or religious school expenses. As the nation struggles to
find better ways to educate its poorest children, vouchers continue to carry
an easy-answer appeal. Supporters claim vouchers would provide public
education with much-needed competition and offer poor parents schooling
choices that affluent parents now have. Opponents argue the stipends
would, at best, help only a few poor students at the expense of many and
would drain money from public school classrooms that need it most.
In February 1998, following an extensive yearlong policy re-examina-
tion, the jCPA reaffirmed its opposition to government subsidized vouch-
ers for non-public education. The jCPA opposes voucher programs that
provide aid to sectarian schools as violating the First Amendment's
"Establishment Clause." Moreover, the jCPA opposes voucher programs
that provide public dollars directly to non-public schools, whether secular
or sectarian, believing this diversion of precious resources away from pub-
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 27
\
lie education will undermine the public school system.
Several reform initiatives begun or expanded by the New American
Schools project, launched in the early 1990s, have now developed strong
track records for success in restructuring at-risk public schools. These pro-
grams are producing measurable results but financial assistance is needed to
enable more schools to replicate them. At the same time, President
Clinton has supported the expansion of charter schools as an example of
responsible public school innovation and has called for the establishment of
3,000 charter schools by the year 2000. However, adequate oversight of
charter schools remains a concern, and clarifications regarding the degree
to which student learning may be improved await the outcome of studies
now underway. The ]CPA will monitor the charter school movement to
assure that schools operate within constitutional boundaries consistent with
existing]CPA interpretations regarding the separation of church and state,
to ensure that public funds are used for public education purposes only,
and that schools do not violate state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
The ]CPA welcomes the President's call, in his State of the Union
address, for the hiring of 100,000 new teachers to reduce class size to 18
students in grades 1-3 nationwide. The ]CPA believes this proposal, aimed
especially at some of the country's poorest and most troubled urban school
I districts, would address a crucial factor in improving student achievement.
Finally, despite opposition from those who challenged the concept of
I
!
national tests, the Presidellt has continued to press for voluntary student
tests in reading and mathematics to provide a single, reliable standard of
F
academic achievement. Over the next year, debate will continue regarding
whether the government should pay for such tests.
IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE POLICY
The 1996 immigration law requires affidavits legally committing sponsors
to support new immigrants and requires sponsors to have incomes no
lower than 125 percent of the poverty level for a family of four. That
requirement disqualifies nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population. Further,
immigrants now entering the country will be ineligible for the major fed-
eral anti-poverty programs for at least five years. Taken together, these
21l JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFF.'\IRS . AGENDA 1998-1999
provisions could lower sig- The ]CPA supports
nificantly the number of
legislation to reduce
immigrants able to enter the
U.S. to join their families,
the naturalization backlog
even though the principle of in ways that provide
family reunification has long safeguards against fraud
been a cornerstone of U.S.
immigration policy. Of fur-
without impeding access for
ther concern, the new wel- those legitimately seeking
fare law will have a serious to naturalize, or further
impact on low-income
restricting eligibility for
immigrant families already
here. While the Balanced
citizenship.
Budget Agreement which passed last summer restored Supplemental
Security Income benefits to elderly immigrants, it did not provide a rem-
edy for the nearly one million legal immigrants who lost food stamps.
Over 70 percent of those affected have incomes well below the federal
poverty line. Among these are elderly and disabled immigrants, including a
significant number of Jews who came originally as refugees from the for-
mer Soviet Union. While many states have rightly stepped in to aid their
immigrant populations, they cannot shoulder this effort alone. The JCPA
will work with others in the immigrant advocacy community, for the
restoration of food stamp benefits to needy immigrants.
In its final report to Congress, the Commission on Immigration Reform
released a study which emphasized contributions oflegal immigrants to the
nation's economy and called for a campaign, welcomed by inmligration
advocates, to integrate newcomers more effectively into American society.
The Jewish community, long involved in the resettlement of newcomers,
will continue work to expand access to English language and citizenship
classes for inmugrants and refugees preparing to become naturalized citizens.
Naturalization remains the key to full participation in all facets of American
life, from shaping public policy and electing public officials to gaining eligi-
bility for public benefits, should the need arise. Currently, more than 1.7
million immigrants may wait as long as two years for action on their appli-
cations for citizenship. The backlog, caused in part by increased demand,
-
EQUAL OI'PORTUNITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 29
was exacerbated by efforts to eliminate fraud in the citizenship process that
have, instead, created new bureaucratic hurdles to naturalization. Although
the INS has attempted to address the problem, efforts have been insuffi-
cient, fueling a demand for legislative action to change the process. The
I
JCPA supports legislation to reduce the naturalization backlog in ways that
provide safeguards against fraud without impeding access for those legiti-
mately seeking to naturalize, or further restricting eligibility for citizenship.
I With regard to refugees, the jCPA has long supported generous admis-
sions levels and maximum flexibility in setting annual U.S. admissions.
The JCPA is therefore concerned that the annual ceiling for refugee
I
!
admissions has been lowered by more than 50,000 in the last six years,
despite the expanding need worldwide for safe haven by hundreds of
,
'/
,
l
thousands of refugees. The JCPA continues to recognize the persecution
ofJews in the former Soviet Union and to support their right to be admit-
ted as refugees in order to reunite with their families in the United States.
At the same time, while the African continent is the source of more
refugees than any other region, admissions numbers allocated to Africa his-
torically, have been inadequate fix the need. The ]CPA and other jewish
groups will work with coalition partners to address this issue.
ETHNICITY AND INTERGROUP RELATIONS
The influx of immigrants While recognizing the need
over the past 30 years has
for numerical procedures to
created a dynamic ethnic
mix, expanding and increas- measure and help assure the
ing the complexity of inter- effectiveness of affirmative
group relations. By the year action programs, the ] CPA
2000, Latinos are expected to
be the largest ethnic minor-
has opposed quotas as incon-
ity, while Asian Americans sistent with the principle of
are now the fastest growing nondiscrimination.
ethnic group. The rise in
Latino participation in the political process will influence political dis-
course, as leaders increasingly respond to this emerging constituency. At
30 JEWISH r.OUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AffAlllS . AGENDA 1998-1999
the same time, it is important to note that, as with the Jewish community,
some Latino groups are more lib~ral, others more conservative. The Asian
American population, as well, is an amalgam of diverse ethnicities that
affiliate differently. Thus, segments of each community may join with seg-
ments of other ethnic and religious groups, including the Jewish commu-
nity, partnering in different configurations on a variety of different issues.
The Jewish community has a shared agenda with these groups on many
public policy issues, has developed strong partnerships, most recently on
immigratioll issues, and has joined forces also to protect minority rights.
Meanwhile, the need to resolve issues of race that have affected African
Americans historically remains central to the health of the nation. Debate
regarding the degree to which circumstances have improved for African
Americans is ongoing. Arguments recently have suggested that relations
between the races are getting better as are the conditions of most African
Americans. However, some insist this belief is dangerously wrong, that the
specter of racism remains the dominant reality. Perceptions on both sides
of this issue have influenced attitudes regarding the continued need for
affirmative action programs. Suprcme Court refusal to review California's
Proposition 209 affirmative action ban is expected to reinvigorate cam-
paigns in 26 other states to enact similar measures. Just as the organized
Jewish community worked closely with Asian, Latino, and African
American groups to oppose Proposition 209, similar partnerships can be
expected in battling these measures in other states.
Meanwhile, an important vote in Houston, supporting affirmative
action, has revealed the complexity of public views on this issue, suggest-
ing the future of affirmative actioll may depend largely on the language in
which it is framcd. While the language used in Proposition 209 was taken
from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in Houston, affirmative action oppo-
nents were prevented from seizing the rhetorical high ground of civil
rights language. Rather than being asked whether they wanted to ban dis-
crimination, voters were asked whether they wished specifically to ban
affirmative action. Some 55 percent said "no." Although opponents con-
tinue to argue that affirmative action is no longer a defensible or necessary
mechanism in the fight against discrimination, supporters of these measures
have said that while a review of some programs may be warranted, a gen-
s
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 3I
eral assessment will show not only that properly implemented programs
work well, but that discrimination and barriers to cqual opportunity con-
tinut' to require these remedies.
The JCPA's longstanding position supports such affirmative action out-
reach remedies as: compensatory education, training, and job counseling;
intensive recruitment of qualified people; and ongoing review of job and
admissions requirements to assurc that they arc performance-related and
free of bias. The blurring oflines between affirmative action and quota-based
preferences has heightened tensions around discussions of race in America.
While recognizing the need for numerical procedures to measure and help
assure the effectiveness of affirmative action programs, thc JCPA has opposed
quotas as inconsistent with the principle of nondiscrimination. To deal with
challenges to affirmative action and to highlight issues of race still to be
resolved, the President annllunced a Race Initiative designed to articulate a
vision of racial reconciliation and to develop solutions to difficult issues in
critical areas. To move the discussion, he appointed a seven-member advisory
board, the composition of which reflects the diversity of the nation. In
February 1998, after completing its revicw of vouchers, the JePA launched
a second yearlong policy review, entitled Bllilding Olle Nation; Race, Public
Policy and Affirmatiw Action." The study, schcduled for completion in February
1999, is expected to provide a structured opportunity to grapple produc-
tively with diverse perspectives, strengthening the ability of the organized
Jewish community to respond in constructive ways to the ongoing battle
to end discrimination and eliminate barriers to equal opportunity.
\THE STATUS Of WOMEN
The Jewish community has The Jewish community has
long been concerned about
long been concerned about
violence perpetrated against
women and the alarming violence perpetrated against
numbers, including Jewish women and the alarming
women, who face violence numbers, including Jewish
in their own homes. The
]ePA welcomed passage of
women, who face violence
in their own homes.
32 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS· AGENDA 1998-1999
the Violence Against Women Act in t 994 and was dismayed that a Family
Violence Option (FVO) was removed from the t 997 Labor-HHS-
Education Appropriations bill, after House leaders refused to support the
provision's temporary exemption of victims of domestic violence from
time limits and work requirements in the t 996 wclf.1re law. The ]CPA will
work with others for enactment of an FVO in 1998.
In the ongoing debate between the Administration and members of
Congress over issues affecting reproductive choice, legislators are awaiting
another presidential veto of the late term abortion bill, passed for the sec-
ond time this year. In addition to the federal legislation, many states are
battling similar, if not identical legislative initiatives. Anti-choice activists
can be expected to continue attempts to enact the legislation, viewed by
buth sides in the debate as the first step in a renewed assault on the land-
mark 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which established a
woman's right to reproductive choice. The ]CPA has long supported a
woman's legal right and access to reproductive choice and to adequately
funded family planning programs in the u.s. and abroad.
DISSENT: The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (UO]CA)
does not, as a matter oflong-standing policy, join the Jewish Public Affairs
Agenda discussion of "reproductive choice." We cannot endorse a public
policy that does not reflect the complex response of halacha Oewish law)
to the abortion issue. In most circumstances the halacha proscribes abor-
tion but there are cases in which halacha permits and indeed mandates
abortion. The question is a sensitive one and personal decisions in this area
should be made in consultation with recognized halachic authorities.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 33
WEALTHeAHE
In light of the still com- The ]CPA recif.firms its
pelling needs of the unin-
belie] that Medicare and
sured and underinsured and
the organized Jewish com- Medicaid must remain
munity's longstanding posi- basic entitlement programs
tion in support of universal and that Medicaid must
health care, the JCPA calls
upon federal and state gov-
remain available universally
ernments to develop system- to the poor and disabled.
wide approaches to assuring
adequate and affordable health care coverage for all individuals and fami-
lies, regardless of income. The ] CPA welcomes the establishment of a fed-
eral Child Health Assistance Program, providing block grant funds to states
to expand healthcare coverage for uninsured children. The ]CPA will
encourage states to access and spend this money.
In 1997, efforts were renewed to reduce the scope of services provided
under the public health care programs of Medicare and Medicaid and to
increase the use of managed care within those programs. The ]CPA reaf-
firms its belief that Medicare and Medicaid must remain basic entitlement
programs and that Medicaid must remain available universally to the poor
and disabled. Two-thirds of nursing home residents, including many
Jewish elderly, rely on Medicaid. Recently, concerns haw arisen regarding
state proposals to scale back Medicaid reimbursement rates to nursing
homes, following repeal of the Boren amendment, which guaranteed pay-
ments sufficient to meet government quality and safety standards. Further,
those elderly who rely heavily on home health care are also witnessing a
decrease in the scope of services allowed under government health care
programs. The Jewish community will monitor and challenge attempts by
governmental and non-governmental entities to reimburse nursing home
facilities and home health care agencies at rates below what is needed to
provide quality care. Meanwhile, the President has endorsed a health care
"bill of rights" to provide insured patients easier access to treatment, more
information about health plans, and better grievance procedures. While
34 JEWISII COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
legislative action may be blocked by those who fear new regulations will
raise costs, the organized Jewish community will vigorously support these
measures as ensuring adequate, affordable, accessible health care coverage
consistent with JCPA's Health Care Principles, adopted in June, 1993.
New tests to identify genetic mutations which render individuals sus-
ceptihle to certain diseases have increased the potential for employment
and insurance discrimination. The Jewish community has become increas-
ingly concerned with this issue, as a result of findings that mutations in
certain genes which may increase the likelihood of developing certain can-
cers are potentially more prevalent among Ashkenazi Jews. The JCPA,
which co-sponsored with Hadassah a National Leadership Meeting on
Genetics in April 1YLJ8, has pledged support for federal and state legislative
measures to prevent genetic-based employment and insurance discrimina-
tion and to ensure the confidentiality of medical records.
"., 44,( $ ..,
JEWISH SECUUITY AND TilE IlILL 01' niGHTS 35
Jewish Security
and The Bill of Rights
((Proclaim liberty
throughout the land
unto all the
inhabitants there£?!' "
-LEVITICUS, 25: r 0
h e organized Jewish community has long been profoundly aware that maintain-
ing a firm wall between church and state is essential to religious freedom and to the
creative and distinctive survival of diverse religious groups, such as our own. Given
the historic ebb and flow of attempts to challenge the principle of strict separation
between church and state in America, vigorous dIorts to protect that cherished con-
stitutional right must continue. Similarly, our comll1unity relllaillS actively engaged
in the struggle to protect the right of each American to follow the dictates of his or
her own conscience ill matters of religious belief, free hom government intrusion.
A long-held principle of cOIllIllunity relations is that the security of Jews ill America
depends not only on the nature and extent of overt anti-Semitism, but on the
strength of the American democratic process and of those traditions and institutions
that foster and protect individual fi·eedolll. Therefore, in addition to our abiding con-
cern with manifestations of anti-Jewish attitudes, the Jewish comlllunity relations
field is committed to a vigilant defense against any and all threats to an open, demo-
cratic and pluralistic society.
36 JEWISH COUNCIL POR PUBLIC AFFAIRS· AGENDA 1998-1999
PREAMBLE
In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the appropriate limits
of religious influence on American civic life. As the hue and cry over a dearth
of societal "values" escalates, and the nation continues to confront seemingly
endemic problems of crime, poverty, and illiteracy, defenders of church-
state separation have been accused of using the First Amendment to effectively
remove religion, and hence core values, from American society. Religious
institutions and religiously affiliated organizations are touted as the answer
in areas that government is perceived to have failed, whether educating our
children, serving the destitute or rehabilitating criminals. Even the U.S.
Supreme Court has retreated from its earlier jurisprudence, which mandated
strict church/state separation. The Jewish community relations field will
increasingly be challenged to respond to this yearning for common morals
and values in a manner that docs not compromise bedrock principles of
religious freedom and tolerance that have made the United States a safe-
haven for persecuted minorities for over two centuries.
Although American Jews continue to enjoy relative security and prosper-
ity, the specter of anti-Semitism has not completely vanished. According
to the ADL's annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, 1,571 anti-Semitic
incidents were reported in 1997, a welcome decrease of 9% from 1996.
However, the number of anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses rose by
14% from the previous year. The JCPA will continue to be vigilant in the
war against bigotry in the United States, recognizing that those constitu-
tional protections that have recently been subject to attack are perhaps the
most potent antidote to intolerance and hatred in America.
Decades after the end of World War II, the world continues to struggle
with the practical, emotional, and spiritual ramifications of one of the
darkest episodes inJewish, and indeed human, history. Hardly a day passes
without the publication of another revelation about the complicity of neutral
and Allied countries in the theft of gold and other assets from Jewish victims
of the Holocaust. The ]CPA will continue to coordinate efforts among its
member agencies to serve the needs of individual claimants and the Jewish
community at-large, through advocacy with federal, state and local govern-
ments, outreach and education, and consultation with direct service providers.
JEWISH SECURITY AND THE B[LL 0[' R[GIITS 37
RELIGION IN AMERICA
Religious Freedom Amendment: The resounding defeat of
In February 1998 the House
Judiciary Committee voted
the RFA, and any alterna-
to support HJ.Res. 78, the tive measures that would
Religious Freedom Amend- likewise impinge upon
ment (RFA), which states in
religious jreedoms, remains
part, "the people's right to
pray and to recognize their
one if the highest priorities
religious beliefs, heritage, or jor the organized Jewish
traditions on public property community.
including schools, shall not
be infringed." This vote
marked the first time any pro-school prayer initiative had received a favor-
able report from a full Congressional committee. A House floor vote is
expected sometime in spring 1998. Proponents of the amendment assert
that, in light of the Supreme Court's decision striking down the Religious
Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), the RFA is the best means of protect-
ing religious liberty in the United States. (cross-reference to RFRA sec-
tion below). To the contrary, the RFA poses a grave threat to religious lib-
erty. The amendment would permit, and may even require, government
to subsidize services and activities sponsored by pervasively sectarian insti-
tutions. It would also permit and encourage the institution of state-sanc-
tioned school prayer in public schools across America. Furthermore, the
bill casts the First Amendment in an exceptionally narrow fashion, by
restricting only those government actions that constitute the establishment
of an qJJicial religion, rather than any action that leads to the endorsement
of religion. The resounding defeat of the RFA, and any alternative mea-
sures that would likewise impinge upon religious freedoms, remains one of
the highest priorities for the organized Jewish community.
J
)~ .-b
8 JEWISH COUNCIL fOil PUBLIC AfFAlllS . AGENDA 1998-1999
Charitable Choice: Efforts continue to establish precedents for government
funding of religious institutions through language tacked on to human ser-
vice legislation. Such "charitable choice" initiatives would allow public
funds to be allocated for social services administered by pervasively sectar-
ian organizations or programs. For example, the Ashcroft Amendment,
included in the landmark 1996 welfare reform legislation, allows sectarian
organizations to compete for con traces or participate in voucher programs
whenever a state uses private sector providers to deliver welfare services.
Similar provisions are included in the Violent and Repeat Juvenile
Offender Act pending in Congress, and in other legislative initiatives. The
JCPA is very concerned about growing support for such programs. The
provision of public funds to pervasively sectarian institutions, no matter
how noble the purpose, seriously compromises church/state separation.
Clients of public benefit programs should not be compelled to receive ser-
vices in an environment where, as "captive audiences," they may be
indoctrinated in some way or subjected to religious messages against their
will. Furthermore, charitable choice initiatives would result in the alloca-
tion of public funds to institutions that can, and often do, discriminate in
hiring based upon religious belief These institutions will in turn be subject
to a higher degree of government scrutiny and regulation, thereby infring-
ing upon their autonomy. Notwithstanding its concerns about charitable
choice initiatives, the Jewish community relations field reiterates its com-
mitment to working with coalition partners to address the many serious
problems confronted by our nation's disadvantaged populations, partiClI-
larly in inner-city areas.
ISSENT: The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (UOJCA)
strongly supports carefully crafted charitable choice initiatives. Such initia-
tives provide religious institutions with government assistance - on the
basis of religion-neutral criteria - for the purpose of supporting social ser-
vice programs for which the government already supports other non-gov-
ernment service providers. By utilizing grant criteria that are religion-neu-
tral, and thus, permitting a religious entity to qualify and receive
government funds, the state neither advance religion nor discriminates
against it.
JEWISH SECURITY AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS 3Y
Religion i1l the Public Schools: Our nation's public schools continue to be a
battleground for religious conflict. The constitutionality of student-led
prayers at commencement ceremonies continues to be debated in feder31
court. In defiance of numerous judicial orders, school districts around the
country continue to permit organized, faculty-led or faculty-sponsored
school prayer. The JCPA continues to oppose all forms of organized public
prayer, whether student-led or otherwise, at or in connection with school-
sponsored events or activities, whether led by students, 6culty, or others,
including "moments of silence" intended as a subterfuge for state-spon-
sored prayer. Government sponsorship of prayer in any form, whether
spoken or silent, violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment
at least in part because of the coercive effect it has on students. Such
prayers often lead to harassment and ostracism. The JCPA reiterates that
students have the right to cngage in private, voluntary, non-coercive
prayer, and to discuss religion in school with willing participants.
Effi)rts have intensified to infusc public school curricula with religious
mcssages, for example through the teaching of creationism as science and
teaching the Bible as factual history. While the JCPA recognizes that reli-
gion has played an important role in shaping civilization, and that teaching
about religion is therefore an important aspect of school curricula, the
teaching of religious doctrine as fact violates the Establishment Clause.
Religious Symbols ill Public Places: The display of religious symbols on gov-
ernment propcrty continues to cause great controversy. The Ten
Commandments and other Judeo-Christian symbols remain on exhibit in
courthouses and courtrooms throughout the United States. Perhaps the
most notorious case involvcs an Alabama state judge who not only defied a
court order to remove the Ten Commandments from his courtroom wall,
but also began each court session with an organized public prayer that he
described as "Judea-Christian." The Jewish community relations field will
continue to vigorously oppose the use of government propcrty as a forum
for thc promotion of religious views. While Jews respect the important
role that religion plays in shaping private and public morals, religion
should not be on display in the nation's courtrooms, which are meant to
represent thc impartial, objective application of ,ecular rule of law. Nor
~J JEWISH COUNCIL fOR PUBLIC AHAlllS . AGENDA 1998-1999
should religious items be placed in other public areas, where the danger of
implied government sponsorship is present, and where insensitivity to
those of different faiths is particularly oppressive and threatening.
'ISSENT: The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations in America (UOJCA) does
not join the blanket condemnation of religious displays on government
property. The U.S. Supreme Court has provided broad guidelines permit-
ting such displays and has stated that if properly constructed, religious dis-
plays may be erected upon government property without fear that such
will be understood to constitute government endorsement of religion.
Public Funding of Religious Education: The Supreme Court's decision in
Agostini v. Felton, permitting the use of public funds to subsidize remedial
instruction on private sectarian school premises, has left many questions
unanswered. Although the Court did preserve the Establishment Clause
analysis developed in Lemon v. Kurtzman, it partially overturned its 1985
decision in Grand Rapids v. Ball that had prohibited public school faculty
from teaching secular subjects at parochial schools after school hours. The
court's language could be interpreted to mean that it would be permissible
for public school systems to partially or even fully administer the secular
education of parochial school students. The Asostifli decision reflects a
broader legal trend to move towards a standard of equality or rleutrality with
respect to public funding of religious schools. The Court appears to be
increasingly less troubled by the notion of government providing funds to
parochial schools as long as the same opportunities for funding are available
to non-sectarian private schools and public schools and the government is
not perceived to be directly involved with the provision of religious ser-
vices or to be favoring one religion over another.
It remains unclear what, if any, impact, Agostitli will have on the school
voucher debate. However, regardless of the eventual fate of voucher pro-
grams in the courts, the JCPA remains strongly opposed to voucher and
scholarship plans that would allow public funds to flow to private schools,
be they sectarian or non-sectarian. This position, most recently reaffirmed
by the 1998 Plenum after a comprehensive yearlong study, is based on sev-
eral essential principles of long-standing importance to a majority of
JEWISII SECURITY AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS 41
American Jews: the inherent value of public education to all Americans
and the need to maintain rigorous separation of church and state as dic-
tated by the First Amendment. Voucher programs will not contribute to
the enhancement of public education, which has been and remains a train-
ing ground for democracy among American youth. I Moreover, the provi-
sion of public funds to private sectarian schools would constitute an
unconstitutional entanglement of government with the promotion of reli-
gious practice and belief.
At the same time, the JCPA believes that the education provided by
Jewish day schools presents an important means of promoting Jewish con-
tinuity. Therefore, students enrolled in these schools should continue to
receive extant, court-approved, non-sectarian educational benefits, includ-
ing school district provision of transportation, secular textbooks, and
police and fire department services.
A new strategy for obtaining public support for sectarian schools is gain-
ing momentum on both the federal and state levels. Tax credits or deduc-
tions for educational expenses, which may include religious school tuition,
have been enacted in several states. The JCPA has long opposed such tax
credits, largely for the same reasons it opposes vouchers.
DISSENT: The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (UOJCA)
continues to favor educational choice programs. We believe that the
Jewish community has traditionally been committed to principles includ-
ing a commitment of social justice that seeks to minimize the role of
wealth in securing one's basic needs, and a desire to stem the tide of assim-
ilation that should lead it to support school choice initiatives. Moreover,
we concur with the Supreme Court's well established reasoning that the
Establishment Clause requires not hostility, but neutrality toward religious
individuals and institutions. We join in expressing a commitment to a
vibrant educational system, and we believe that school choici initiatives
will improve the entire educational system for all of America's fhildren.
1 Copies of the full report of the ]CPA Ad Hoc Committee on Vouchers
are available upon request.
,,'"
11'''' JEWISH COUNCIL ~()R PUBLIC AFFAIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
The Rel('.IioHs Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA): The U.s. Supreme Court's
ruling in City of Boerne 1', Flores striking down the Religious Freedom
Restoration Act (RFRA) as a violation of constitutional limits on
Congressional power, rather than on substantive grounds, has created new
challenges for Jewish agencies and their coalition partners in the civilliber-
ties and religious communities, The Court's action resulted in the resur-
rection of the 1990 Smith decision as the reigning law of the land, thereby
once again permitting state and local governments to burden religious
practice through the enforcement of neutrally designed and applied laws.
The JCPA concurs with its coalition partners in asserting that the Boerne
decision did not strike down RFRA in so far as it applies to actions by the
federal government.
The JCPA continues to believe that Smith was wrongly decided, and
that its enforcement represents a serious threat to religious liberty in the
United States. An unprecedented coalition of national religious, civic, and
advocacy organizations, including the ]CPA, has continued to work
together to pursue alternative means of securing the religiolIs protections
previously provided by the RFRA statute. Proposed strategies include:
drafting a narrower federal bill that would pass judicial muster; promoting
the passage of "mini-RFRAs" in each of the 50 states and the District of
Columbia; and promoting the passage of state or federal constitutional
amendments. At this time the JCPA opposes the latter route, in favor of
more modest statutory solutions that will serve RFRA's purpose without
amending the U,S, or state constitutions. The JCPA strongly supports
efforts to pass state RFRAs. Jewish community rclations agencies should
strive to secure passage of state RFRA legislation modeled closely after the
federal law, free oflanguage that exempts certain populations, such as pris-
OIlers, from the bill's protection.
Rcl('.Iion in the Workplace: Securing religious freedom in the workplace COI1-
tinues to be a high priority for the Jewish community, In the summer of
1997, PresideIlt Clinton announced the implementation of Guidelines on
RI'i(\!.io/ls Exer[ise and Religiolls Expression in the Workplace, which address
issues of religious expression, accommodation, and discrimination in fed-
eral workplaces. The Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA), cur-
JEWISH SECURITY AND THE !lILL OF UIGHTS 43
rently pending in Congress, would extend similar protections to employ-
ees in the private sector, by imposing upon private employers a meaningflll
obligation to accommodate their employees' religious practices. The
Jewish community relations field strongly supports passage of this legislation,
which would strengthen religious accommodation provisions of the Civil
Rights Act that have recently been weakencd through unduly narrow
judicial interpretations.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS
Affirmative Action: Current ]CPA policy,
The Supreme Court's refusal
recifJirmed in 1995,
to review a Ninth Circuit
decision upholding the con-
supports the principle
stitutionality of California's of cifJirmative action as
Proposition 209 is sure to the best available means
encourage other states to
adopt similar measures, there-
for correctin<.,? inequities
by resulting in new legal due to discrimination,
battles. In addition, the con- while opposing the use
stitutionality of Proposition
209 as applied (rather than as
if quotas and proportional
enacted) will undoubtedly
representation.
be challenged in federal court. The settlement of the Taxmal1 1'. Piscataway case,
involving an affirmative action preference policy designed to achieve work-
force diversity rather than remedy actual discrimination, leaves for another
day the inevitable Supreme Court battle over the constitutionality of broadly
designed race-based preference programs. Several cases currently winding
their way through the federal courts, some dealing with college admissions
programs, will once again raise the issue. Current JCPA policy, reaffirmed
in 1995, supports the principle of affinllative action as the best available means
for correcting inequities due to discrimination, while opposing the use of
quotas and proportional representation. The JCPA therefore opposes
wholesale legal attacks against affirmative action programs that would flatly
prohibit in ,,1/ cases the use of race as one criterion for inclusion.
n
JEWISH COUNCIL fOR PUBLIC AFfAIIIS . AGENDA 1998- 1 999
' ....,
First Amendment Implications of Cyber-Space: In response to the Supreme
Court decision striking down the Communications Decency Act (CDA)
as an unlawful infringement of free speech rights, alternative means of reg-
ulating offensive materials accessible over computer network services are
being considered. Proposals include utilizing Internet "filters" - software
that will screen out particular words or categories of material that are
deemed oftcnsive - either at the producer or user ends of the network,
and creating a single uniform rating system that would be built into search
engines. The Jewish community remains deeply concerned about the pro-
liferation of Internet web-sites that preach anti-Semitism, racism, and
other forms of hatred. However, in addressing this problem, First
Amendment tree speech principles must be respected. As an increasing
number of American households gain Internet access, it will be necessary
to balance the desire to preserve constitutional freedoms with the need to
ensure that children and others are not easily and consistently exposed to
messages of hatred and violence on their computer screens. The Anti-
Defamation League has already begun to play an important role in helping
the cyber-space industry strike this important balance.
Campa(~n Finance Reform: Continued fallout from the 1996 presidential
campaign led Congress to conduct extensive investigations into political
party fund-raising while simultaneously quashing legislative initiatives to
reform the system that fostered the activities in question. The jCPA
applauds continued efforts by members of Congress to pursue comprehen-
sive electoral reform, in the face of daunting opposition. Congress' failure
to enact campaign finance reform in 1998 will shift this battle to state capi-
tols, which will cOllSider enacting their own reform measures. The jCPA
has long supported the following campaign finance reforms: voluntary
spending limits for and/or public financing of congressional elections; the
prohibition of "soft money" abuses; limits on political action committee
(PAC) contributions to individual candidates; and limits on the aggregate
PAC contributions a candidate can receive.
JEWISH SECURITY AND THE BILL 01' RIGHTS 45
ANTI-SEMITISM
Hate Crimes: In November The Hate Crimes
1997 President Clinton hosted
Prevention Act (HCPA),
a landmark White House
conference on hate crimes,
currently pendin,g in
highlighting the need for Congress, would expand
intensified efforts to stem the existing federal hate crimes
epidemic of bias-related
crime in the United States.
laws to apply to violent acts
In 1996, 11,355 hate crimes motivated by the victim's
were reported to the Federal gender, sexual orientation,
Bureau of Investigation,
or disability, and would
63% of which were based on
race, 16% on religion, 12%
otherwise enhance the
on sexual orientation, and federal government's ability
11 % on ethnicity. Of the to investigate and prosecute
religion-based crimes, 79%
were against Jews, compris-
bias-related crime.
ing 13% of the total. The
Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA), currently pending in Congress,
would expand existing federal hate crimes laws to apply to violent acts
motivated by the victim's gender, sexual orientation, or disability, and
would otherwise e,;hance the federal government's ability to investigate
and prosecute bias-related crime. The goals of this bill are consistent with
existing JCPA policy, and therefore JCPA supports its passage. The JCPA
further supports intensified cooperation between law enforcement person-
nel and community relations agencies to fIght bias-related crimes at the
grass roots level, through education, outreach, coalition building,
improved provision of victims' services, and rigorous investigation and
prosecution. Finally, the JCPA urges the passage of hate crimes legislation
in the 10 states that have not already done so.
Jewish communal agencies will continue to provide moral and political
leadership in fulfIlling this comprehensive agenda.
"\'
\.....\'"JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFfAIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
lHilitias and Common Law Courts: The United States is still confronting the
danger of violent, anti-democratic militia groups that variously preach
anti-Semitism, racism, and hatred of many other groups. The JCPA's inau-
gural public affairs survey indicated that, of 6800 Federation affiliated Jews
polled, 78% believe anti-Semitism among extremist groups is increasing,
far more than the number that fear anti-Semitism from religious funda-
mentalists or the Nation of Islam. Increasingly, hate groups are using the
Internet to spread their message. (insert cross-reference to cyber-space dis-
cussion). Many groups have established common-law court systems in
defiance of federal authority. The organized Jewish community will con-
tinue to take a leading role in combating extremist forces in the United
States, by supporting anti-terrorism statutes where appropriate and pro-
moting diversity education among students to reduce the number of
young adults recruited into extremist organizations.
Holocaust Revisionism: There has been a resurgence of Holocaust revisionist
activities on the nation's college campuses, especially via college newspaper
advertisements. For the first time, revisionists and deniers have also begun
to disseminate videotapes and other literature to high schools and elemen-
tary schools. Jewish community rclations organizations must playa pivotal
role in exposing these fraudulent "historians," particularly among campus'
newspaper editors and staff who change from year to year and may be
unfamihar with Holocaust revisionism. The community must also con-
tinue to promote the implementation of comprehensive Holocaust educa-
tion curricula in the nation's elementary and secondaty schools and on col-
lege campuses. The need for intensified campus outreach and activism is
highlighted by the 14% increase in anti-Semitic incidents on college cam-
puses generally in 1997, as reported in the annual ADL Audit of Anti-
Semitic Incidents.
JEWISH SECURITY AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS 47
HOLOCAUST RESTITUTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The JCPA welcomes efforts The ]CPA recognizes
by the Vatican and other
the fundamental right of
individuals and groups, such
as the Catholic bishops of Holocaust survivors and
France and Germany, to heirs to ((have their day
publicly apologize for their in court" by pursuing
failure to assist Jews during
the Holocaust, and their his-
individual claims through
toric role in fostering anti- the judicial system, and
Semitic fervor that often led believes that worldwide
to anti-Jewish violence. The
diplomatic ifforts should
JCPA further welcomes ini-
tiatives by many nations to not minimize or
explore their governments' undermine that right.
involvement with the
seizure of and failure to return looted assets to Jewish t'll11ilies and their
heirs, and to appropriately compensate individual survivors and the Jewish
community at-large. The United States has joined in this endeavor by
helping to create an international fund to assist survivors, to which it has
already allocated $25 million. Beyond the restoration of looted assets,
every effort must be made to expeditiously address the failure of insurance
companies to payout claims to heirs of insured Holocaust victims, and to
determine the rightful ownership of fine art stolen from Jewish households
during the war.
Most Jewish community agencies, as well as the United States govern-
ment, support continued negotiations with the Swiss government and
other countries and deferral of more punitive approaches. Questions
regarding that strategy h:lve created some conflict within the jewish com-
munity and will likely continue to do so, especially if certain entities and
individuals persist in their reluctance to fully cooperate with ongoing
investigations and restitution efforts. Several large class action suits against
banks, insurance companies, and other entities, arc currently pending in
U.S. federal district courts. The jCPA recognizes the fundamental right of
aiA ,~
i
~~EWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AfFAIRS· AGENDA 1998-1999
Holocaust survivors and heirs to "have their day in court" by pursuing
individual claims through the judicial system, and believes that worldwide
diplomatic efforts should not minimize or undermine that right.
fRELIGIOUS RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships between jews With the approach cif
and Catholics and mainstream
the year 2000, repentance
Protestants remain strong
nationally and locatly. The
and reconciliation are
jCPA continues to enhance among themes being
its working relationship with emphasized within the
the National Conference of
Catholic Bishops and the
Roman Catholic Church,
National Council of Churches generating a re-examination
on issues of common con- cif Christian roles and
cern (including, for example,
responsibilities with regard
the National Religious Part-
nership on the Environ-
to anti-Semitism and the
ment). Work continues as Holocaust, and strengthening
well on shared civil liberties ifforts to enhance mutual
and social policy concerns.
In March 1998, the jCPA
understanding among
and the Bishops' Committee Jewish and Christian
for Ecumenical and Inter- communities.
religious Affairs, National
Conference of Catholic Bishops, sponsored a trip to Israel and Rome
for American rabbis and bishops, which was characterized in a state-
ment issued at its conclusion as "a remarkable journey of dialogue and
understanding." An important feature of the trip was that bishops were
paired with rabbis from the same cities across the nation, enabling the
dialogue to continue not only on the national level but in local com-
munities as well.
With the approach of the year 2000, repentance and reconciliation are
among themes being emphasized within the Roman Catholic Church,
JEWISH SECURITY AND THE BILL Of RIGHTS 49
generating a re-examination of Christian roll's and responsibilities with
regard to anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, and strengthening efforts to
enhance mutual understanding among Jewish and Christian communities.
In March, the Vatican released a long-awaited document promised to
Jewish leaders in 1987, analyzing the role of the Church during the
Holocaust. While expressing regret for the "errors and (,ilures" of individ-
ual Roman Catholics during the Holocaust, the report stopped short of
acknowledging responsibility for failures by church leaders or by the
Church as an institution. Moreover, the document did not fully address
many questions regarding the official role of the Church in the evolution
of anti-Semitism and its culmination in the Holocaust. Although initial
response within the Jewish community reflected disappointment in the
document's failures, there was also recognition that the report represented
an important step forward. It called for repentance for evil done, empha-
sized the importance of remembrance, denounced anti-Semitism, and
acknowledged the need for further scholarly study. So that such study may
be pursued, Jewish leaders have renewed calls for the Vatican to open its
archives fully to scholars, historians, and other academics.
Elsewhere, the Jewish community remains concerned about missionary
work targeted at Jews, to which millennial themes of evangelism may add
new energy. The Jewish community will continue to monitor such groups
as the Southern Baptist Convention (Sne), the nation's largest Protestant
denomination which, in June 1996, called for renewed efforts to convert
Jews to Christianity. Acknowledging that proselytizing activities are pro-
tected behavior under the Free Exercise clause of the First Amendment,
the field has nevertheless long opposed missionary work specifically tar-
geted at Jews as offensive and destructive of good intergroup relations.
Statements issued by mainline Protestant groups (such as proposals to
make Jerusalem a shared city) continue to emerge, criticizing the approach
of the Israeli government to peace process deliberations. Jewish leaders
should be prepared to deal with the criticism, interpreting Israeli policy to
ensure that facts are dear and charges not exaggerated. At the same time,
the relationship between Israel and the Vatican was strengthened by the
signing of agreements granting special status under Israeli law to Roman
Catholic churches, orders, and institutions.
:~G JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
In Washington, Jewish and Christian groups worked together to address
issues surrounding a proposed legislation dealing with persecution of
Christians and other religious minorities around the globe. While work is
underway 011 the particulars, the JCPA has welcomed attention to the seri-
ous problem of religious persecution and pledged to work with coalition
partners to find appropriate mechanisms to address the concerns.
THE ENVIRONMENT AND JEWISH LIfE 5I
The Environment
and Jewish Life
((Therefore choose life,
that you and your
descendants may live. )J
-DEUTERONOMY, 30:19
G rowing Jewish action to protect the integrity of creation complements the
Jewish community's historic commitment to a just society. Our I3iblical tradition
establishes an ethical imperative to address contemporary ecological problems in a
manner that protects the vulnerable, preserves creation, and promotes the common
good. Though .significant progress has been made in recent decades 011 a number of
issues, such as improving the quality of air and water in the United States, many chal-
lenges lie ahead: reducing the emission of greenhouse gasses that are causing global
warming through conservation and technological innovation; halting the rapid
destruction of old growth forests, coral reefs, and other endangered habitats; reducing
the exposure of children, workers, and disenfranchised cOlllmunities to toxic chemi-
cals; slowing human population growth through the promotion of family planning
and the empowerment of women; protecting agriculture lands and water sources to
ensure adequate nourishment and sanitation for the world's growing population. The
Jewish public affairs community embraces these environmental challenges and urges
all societal institutions and citizens to join together to pursue environmental justice
and the safekeeping of the earth for generations to come.
::::t-JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
t~!
~MBLE PREI
Although public support for environmental protection remains bipartisan
and strong, and numerous forward-looking corporations have undertaken
environmental initiatives, highly organized and well-funded special interest
groups seek to undermine existing environmental protections and to pre-
vent new protections from being enacted. Analyses which show a correla-
tion between contributions to members of Congress from industry groups
and their voting records on environmental legislation raise important ques-
tions about the impact of the current campaign financing system on efforts
to protect the environment and public health.
Environmental degradation continues to have a disproportionate impact
on low income and minority communities. In the U.S., people of color and
poor people are still considerably more likely to live in close proximity to
hazardous facilities. Hundreds of millions of people in developing nations
lack access to clean air and clean water. And industrialized nations con-
tinue to export hazardous waste to poor nations seeking foreign exchange.
In the coming year, the Jewish community relations field will be called
upon to educate the Jewish public about environmental challenges, partic-
ularly global climate change, and the need for citizen participation. The
organized Jewish community continues to make common cause with the
Catholic, mainline Protestant, and evangelical Christian communities
through the National Religious Partnership for the Environment. The
Jewish member of the Partnership, the Coalition on the Environment and
Jewish Life (COEJL), encompasses 26 national Jewish agencies, a network
of over 2,000 local Jewish institutions, and thousands of activists around
the world working to integrate environmental education and action into
Jewish life.
<ilC : . ,
;
1
THE ENVIRONMENT AND JEWISH LIFE 53
CLIMATE CHANGE
The International Panel on The ]CPA supports the
Climate Change (IPeq, a
group of over 2,000 climate
immediate adoption of
scientists charged to evaluate policies to reduce greenhouse
the data on climate change, gas emissions, particularly
has found that the burning programs that use pricing to
of fossil fuels is likely con-
tributing to the warming of
lower demand for fossil fuels,
the earth. The IPCC pro- encourage the development
jects that, if no action is of non-polluting energy
taken to reduce greenhouse
sources, and raise revenue
gas emissions, the earth's
average temperature may Jor public projects that would
rise between 2 and 6.5 lower carbon emissions,
degrees Fahrenheit by the such as mass transit.
year 2100. This could result
in the spread of tropical dis-
eases; rising sea levels; hunger and malnutrition due to impaired food pro-
duction in many developing countries; floods, droughts, and forest fires
increasing due to climatic shifts; and species extinction due to the disrup-
tion and migration of ecosystems.
In December 1997, 150 nations gathered in Kyoto, Japan and negoti-
ated the first binding agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
The "Kyoto Protocol" commits the industrialized nations to reduce, their
emissions of six greenhouse gasses by an average of 5.2 percent.
The United States agreed to bring its emissions 7 percent below 1990
levels by the year 2012. The European Union, which pressed for an even
more aggressive target, agreed to an 8 percent reduction, and Japan agreed
to a 6 percent reduction. The agreement allows industrialized nations to
trade emissions reduction credits among themselves, creating a free-market
mechanism for achieving emissions reductions at the lowest cost.
Questions have been raised that this provision creates an opportunity for
wealthy nations to buy their way into compliance. All nations will gather
4 JEWISH COUNCIL fOil PUBLIC AFFAIIlS . AGENDA 1998-1999
in Argentina in November 1998 to finalize the emissions trading program
and discuss other outstanding issues.
While the industrialized nations are most responsible for global warm-
ing, developing nations will be most severely impacted by climate change.
Subsistence fanners are most vulnerable to changing rainfall patterns; poor
residents of coastal areas or floodplains are least able to relocate; undevel-
oped areas are least able to prevent the spread of infectious disease.
The inclusion of developing nations in the Kyoto Protocol remains the
subject of intensive debate. Many developing nations, most notably China
and rndia, are rapidly expanding their use of fossil fuels. However, devel-
oping nations are looking to industrialized nations to take action first
before making commitments to reduce their own emissions. Industrialized
nations, though only one-fifth of the world's population, emit approxi-
mately four-fifths of global carbon emissions. And the U.S., with less than
5 percent of the world's population, emits approximately one quarter of
global carbon emissions.
The Senate voted 95 to 0 before the Kyoto negotiations to advise
President Clinton against agreeing to a climate accord that does not include
developing nations, and it has indicated that it will not ratity the Kyoto
Protocol because it does not include those nations. The Administration has
until March 1999 to sign the accord and submit it for ratification. Admin-
istration officials indicate that they will seek emissions reduction agreements
from China, India, and Brazil before submitting the treaty to the Senate.
The vast majority of scientists, economists, and members of the public
favor U.S. action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A group of 2,500
economists issued a statement in 1997 stating that the U.S. could prevent
extensive environmental damage and improve economic efficiency by sig-
nificantly reducing carbon emissions. Researchers indicate that the U.S.
can reduce its emissions by 7 percent by adopting energy conservation and
efficiency measures and by utilizing cost-competitive clean energy alterna-
tives-such as solar and wind power, fuel cells, co-generation plants, and
natural-gas fired power plants. Seeking to erode broad public support for
action on global warming, industry groups have publicized the views of
dissenting scientists and claims that reducing carbon emissions would
severely damage the economy.
THE ENVIRONMENT AND JEWISH LIFE 55
The]CPA supports the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol as a fIrSt step in
stabilizing atmospheric carbon concentrations at a level that will not result
in widespread human andlor ecological harm. The jCPA urges the
Congress to appropriate the funds proposed by President Clinton, includ-
ing one billion dollars for aid to developing nations to control carbon
emissions and five billion dollars for the development and deployment of
non-carbon fuel alternatives. The jCPA supports the immediate adoption
of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly programs that
use pricing to lower demand for fossil fuels, encourage the development of
non-polluting energy sources, and raise revenue for public projects that
would lower carbon emissions, such as mass transit. The ]CPA also sup-
ports standards requiring the use of the most advanced fuel efficiency and
emissions reduction technologies available. Finally, thejCPA supports pro-
grams to help those whose economic security would be jeopardized by
sllch policies, including assistance to poor people to compensate for
increased expenses for electricity, fuel, and transportation and retraining
and economic transition assistance for affected workers.
Strong action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is consistent with
long-standing JCPA policies concerning environmental protection,
national energy independence, improved air quality, increased mass transit,
development of non-polluting alternative energy sources, and energy effi-
ciency and conservation. In addition to strengthening the economy in the
long run, cutting carbon emissions will also result in lowering emissions of
several pollutants that cause illness and acid rain, including particulates and
ozone, tor which significantly lower standards have recently been set. The
JCPA calls on all levels of government to effectively educate the public
about the risks of climate change and the steps that need to be taken at the
individual, communal, and national levels to prevent further warming.
The Jewish community relations field will be called upon to educate the
American Jewish community about the dangers of global warming and
engage jewish individuals, including Jewish business leaders, and institu-
tions in efforts both to support the Kyoto Protocol and to minimize
energy use in homes, communal buildings, and businesses.
56 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
Around the world, over 20 The jewish community
percent of mammals, rep-
tiles, amphibians, and fish
relations field will be called
species are in danger of upon to educate the
extinction. In addition to American jewish public
the moral affront of this
about the importance cd"'
destruction, the viability of
ecosystems, which provide
maintaining the integrity
"ecosystem goods and ser- <if ecological systems and
vice~. vital to human well- engage the jewish community
being is at stake. Ecosystem
services include the produc-
in advocating strong
tion of oxygen, regulation of environmental protections
the climate, the detoxifica- for public lands.
tion of pollutants, the pro-
duction of soil, and the provision of pollinating insects vital to agriculture.
Ecosystem goods include food, fiber, and fuel. The dollar value of ecosys-
tem services is estimated to be well over one trillion dollars.
T11C Elldangered ~peci('s Act: The reauthorization of the Endangered Species
Act (ESA) has been the subject of debate since 1992. Conservation advo-
cates argue the Act needs strengthening as less than one half of one percent
of endangered species have recovered sufficiently to be removed from the
list of threatened and endangered species. Private property absolutists argue
that the Act gives the federal government undue power to regulate the use
of private property.
Two proposals are currently circulating, one in the Senate and one in
the House. In July, 1997, Representative George Miller (CA) introduced
the Endangered Species Recovery Act of 1997 (HR.23S1), as a proactive
effort to recover declining species by setting recovery goals and providing
incelltives for landowners. The JCPA supports thi5 bill.
In October 1997, Senators Max Baucus (MT), John Chafee (RI), Dirk
Kempthorne (ID), and Harry Reid (NV) introduced S.1180, also titled the
THE ENVIRONMENT AND JEWISH LIFE 57
Endangered Species Recovery Act of 1997. This compromise bill, which
has received mixed reviews by both the private sector and the conserva-
tion community, would require the establishment of recovery teams to set
biologically-based recovery goals using the best scientific and commercial
data available. However, the bill has substantial weaknesses which were
raised by the jCPA in testimony before the Senate: the proposed recovery
teams are too heavily weighted in favor of economic interests; interests
utilizing federal lands are given inappropriate access to governmental deci-
sion-makers; overly-broad discretion is given to the Secretary of Interior;
and the government would lock in conservation agreements with private
property holders for long periods of time regardless of new scientific devel-
opments. S.1180 also places significant additional burdens on the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, which will not be able to fulfill its recovery planning
mandates without a substantial funding increase. The jCPA will continue
to advocate a strong, proactive Endangered Species Act that sets and
enforces stringent goals for species recovery and habitat protection.
Forest Protectioll: The U.S. retains only four percent of its original old
growth forests, the vast majority of which are on nationally held lands.
Large areas of old growth that remain free of logging roads, and therefore
logging activity, serve as biological reserves for the nation. After a number
of very close votes to end federal subsidies for building logging roads in
national forests, the 1998 Interior Appropriations bill included almost fifty
million dollars for building such roads. When signing the 1998 Interior
Appropriations bill, President Clinton announced that the Forest Service is
developing a new science-based management policy to protect roadless
areas in National Forests. The ]CPA supports efforts both to protect old
growth forest habitats and to reduce government subsidies for activities
which harm the environment. The Jewish community relations field will
be called upon to educate the American Jewish public about the impor-
tance of maintaining the integrity of ecological systems and engage the
Jewish community in advocating strong ellvironmental protections for
public lands.
58 JlWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND JUSTICE
Clean Air: After months of ]CPA supports legislation
debate, the Clinton Admin-
to test all chemicals to
istration rcleased new air
quality standards for smog which either children or
(ground-level ozone) and adults are regularly exposed
soot (tiny particulate matter)
and to provide the public
in July 1997. The new stan-
dards, to be phased in over a
with information about the
ten year period, will reduce toxicity of both the contents
respiratory illnesses and pre- of consumer products and
mature deaths considerably,
the chemicals emitted by
particularly among the elderly
and asthmatics. Opponents industrial and commercial
claim that the standards will facilities.
damage the economy and
they arc working to delay implementation through Congressional action.
This argumcnt has also been made about the 1990 Clcan Air Act amend-
ments, proposals to rcduce carbon emissions, and numerous other public
health and environmcntal regulations. In October 1997, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency released a cost-benefit analysis of the
1990 clean air regulations which demonstrated that, according to the mean
estimate, the economic bencfits of the regulations wcre more than 42
times the economic. The JCPA strongly supports the rapid adoption of
these standards in a manncr that achieves cleaner air for all Americans,
regardless of where they live.
Childrel1 's Health: Only a small fraction of the 7(),OOO chemicals used in the
United States have been tested for their potential to: interfere with fetal
developmcnt; harm the reproductive, immune, or nervous sy~tcms; or
cause Recent studies indicate that many common chcmicals may mimic
hormones and cause scrious harm to children at cxtremely low doses both
beforc and after birth. Children are more vulnerable to toxic exposurc
because per pound of body wcight they cat more food, drink morc watcr,
THE ENVIRONMENT AND JEWISH LIfE 59
and breath more air than adults. Many toxic chemicals accumulate in
human body fat and are ingested hy infants through breast milk. A number
of bills have been introduced to the 105th Congress to increase the protec-
tion of children from toxic chemicals by strengthening regulatory stan-
. dards, requiring labeling of products, and requiring industry to provide
additional information about toxic releases to the public. JCPA supports
legislation to test all chemicals to which either children or adults are regu-
larly exposed and to provide the public with information about the toxic-
ity of both the contents of consumer products and the chemicals emitted
by industrial and commercial facilities. The Jewish community relations
field will be called upon to advocate action 011 legislation to protect the
public, particularly children, from toxic exposure. In addition, the field
can educate Jewish individuals and institutions about how to remove the
most dangerous chemicals trom homes and communal facilities.
60 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFfAIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
Summary of
Resolutions
adopted by the
1998 JCPA Plenum
"BrOlvI!fields" Legislatiol1 Concerned that "Brownficlds" - contaminated
former industrial sites - are predominately in underdeveloped low
income and minority urban areas, the jCPA supports Brownficids legisla-
tion and programs that will create incentives for their responsible develop-
ment while assuring environmental and health protections.
Ethiopiall Educatiollal IIIte.~ratioll ill Israel Noting the extraordinary efforts
made to fully absorb Ethiopian jews into Israeli society, the jCPA regretted
that the integration effort is not yet complete, particularly in the field of
education, and urged the Government of Israel to provide funds for a
comprehensive tcn-city plan designed to meet the special needs of
Ethiopian children.
The Iraq Crisis The jCPA lauded the U.S. administration's efforts to bring
about Iraqi compliance with U.N. resolutions, and commended U.N.
Secretary General Kofi Annan for his apparent sllccess in averting the need
for military action. The resolution noted the jCPA's continued support for
the American administration's decision to maintain military preparedness
as may be needed.
Solidarity with Israel Duril1g tilC Iraq Crisis The JCPA expressed its solidarity
with the people ofIsrad, and welcomed recent statt'ment~ by senior American
officials affirming Israel's right of self-defense.
SUMMARY OF 1998 PLENUM RESOLlJTIONS ()J
Establishment of all irlternational Criminal Court Expressing its support for the
initiative to establish a permanent and effective International Criminal
Court, the JCPA urged the United States to take a leading role in this effort.
TIle Clinton Administration and the IsraelilPalestil1iml Peace Process Commending
the Clinton Administration and State Department for their tireless efforts
to advance the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians within the
framework of the Oslo Accords, the JCPA called upon the Administration
to continue its efforts, and specifically, "encourage both the government of
Israel and the Palestinian Authority to avoid provocative rhetoric and
actions, to engage vigorously in reciprocal confidence building measures,
to relate to each other as partners in the urgent quest for peace."
50th AnllilJersary iif Israel Saluting the people of Israel and expressing joy on
the 50th anniversary, the JCPA also noted with pride Israel's record as a
modern democracy and the commitment "expressed in its Declaration of
Independence to freedom, justice, and peace and to the pursuit of the
social, political, religious and cultural rights of all its citizens." Noting that
one of the best ways to celebrate this important milestone is through travel
to Israel , the JCPA also urged participation in the 1998 CJF General
Assembly in Jerusalem.
Minimum Wage The JCPA supported adoption of federal legislation that
would raise the current federal minimum wage by 50 cents for each of the
next two years. The resolution also stated that the JCPA would support
and advocate the concept of linking the minimum wage to annual
Consumer Price Index.
Civic Ellgagement and Voluntarism Noting that civic engagement is a corner-
stone ofJewish religion and culture, the JCPA called for developing meth-
ods for increasing volunteer involvement in CRC activities and urged
member agencies to work with coalition partners to design vehicles for
civic engagements among our constituents.
62 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFr·AIRS . AGENDA 1998-1999
Campaign Finance Reform Noting its longtime concern with the strength of
our democratic institutions, and consistent with its 1994 positions support-
ing additional public financing for campaigns and against "soft money",
the JCPA applauded the decision by Congressional leadership to debate
and vote upon the McCain-Feingold Bill. Without endorsing any particu-
lar provision of the bill, JCPA urged an open debate on this issue.
Holocaust Asset Restitutioll The JCPA supported worldwide efforts to com-
pensate appropriately victims of Nazi looting and to provide additional
fll1ancial support to indigent Holocaust survivors; welcomed initial steps
taken by Switzerland to publicly acknowledge the improper actions it took
during after World War II; affirmed the rights of individuals to pursue pri-
vate claims, notwithstanding ongoing negotiations being conducted on
behalf of world Jewry collectively; supported federal, state and municipal
legislation that creates mechanisms for compensating survivors and ensur-
ing fulfillment of their rightful claims; welcomed efforts by the American
government and state officials to take an active, positive role; committed
itself to educate the field about the complexities of the Holocaust assets
issue; and condemned anti-Semitic responses to worldwide efforts to
restore Holocaust-era assets to their rightful owners.
APPENDIX
Appendix The JCPA
Mission Statement
AdoptedJt/l1e to, 1996
The Jewish Cot/neil for Pt/blic Affairs aCPA) serves as the representative
voice of the organized American Jewish community in addressing the
mandate of thc Jewish community relations field.
That mandate is expressed in two, interrelated goals:
(1) to safeguard the rights ofJcws here, in Israel, and around the world;
and, in order to accomplish that,
(2) to protect, preserve, and promote a just American society, one that is
democratic and pluralistic.
These goals are pursued in a non-partisan manner informed by Jewish val-
ues. History teaches us that Jewish security is inexorably linked to the
strength of dcmocratic institutions. Thus, our community has a direct stake
- along with an ethical imperative - ill assuring that America remains a
country wedded to the Bill of Rights and committed to the rule of law,
whose institutions continue to function as a public trust.
The JCPA reflects a unique and inclusive partncrship of national mem-
ber agencics, local community relations councils and committees, and the
fcderations of which they are a component part or an affiliated agency. It
convenes the "common table" around which member agencies, through
an open, representative, inclusive and consensus-driven process, meet to
identify issues, articulate positions, and develop strategies, programs, and
approaches designed to advance the public affairs goals and objectives of
the organized Jewish community.
Thc work of the ]CPA, especially in matters relating to democratic plu-
ralism and social justice, reflects the profound Jewish commitment to
64 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AffAIRS· AGENDA 1998-1999
tikkun olam, the repair of the world. It expresses the conviction of the
organized Jewish community that it must be active in the effort to build a
just society. The JCPA has the responsibility to enhance the capacity of
member agencies to effectively pursue the public affairs agenda. This
responsibility requires the JCPA to provide coordination, support, and
guidance for public affairs initiatives undertaken by national and local
member agencies, to advocate on behalf of the public affairs policies of the
organized Jewish community, and to respond to those member-identified
needs which strengthen their individual and collaborative capacity to
advance the communal public affairs agenda.
APPENDIX
Appendix The Role of the JCPA
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (fCPA) was created in 1944 by the
General Assembly of the Council ofJewish Federations, intended to be the
multi-issue public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community. Over
the past half century the JCPA - formerly the National Jewish
Community Relations Advisory Council - has proven itself to be an
effective coordinating body for the diverse groups that together comprise
the Jewish community relations field. The JCPA, a voluntary association of
122 local and 13 national agencies throughout the United States, is the
instrument through which its members jointly determine positions on
issues of priority concern, and coordinate ways to most effectively advo-
cate those positions.
The JCPA deliberative process - free and open debate, with careful
regard for the right to dissent -allows member agencies to maximize their
effectiveness by planning policies together and coordinating their pro-
grams. In determining priorities and allocating resources, the JCPA and its
member agencies use the following criteria: The nature and extent of
threats to Jews as individuals and/or as a Jewish community at home and
abroad; the Ilature and extellt of threats to the American democratic
process; the impact of changing conditions on the goals and policies of the
Jewish community; the efficacy of remedies in resolving issues; and, the
priority concerns of allies.
All member agencies are autonomous, engaging in those aspects of
community relations work deemed appropriate to an agency's goals and
commensurate with its resources. In implementing programmatic activi-
ties, national and local agencies play complementary roles. JCPA policy
provides that each member agency respect the integrity and philosophy of
66 lEWISII COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS' AGENDA 1998-1999
other member agencies and encourages a recognition that the proper func-
tioning of the JCPA depends on proper relations between its various stake-
holders.
The entire range of public affairs issucs that atTcct America's Jews -
including Middle East peace and Israeli security, civil rights and liberties,
racism and prejudice, poverty and justice, intergroup relations, environ-
mental and public health issues, and international human rights - are
addressed through the JCPA process. One result of that process is the
annual JCPA Public Affairs Agenda, which is, in essence, the blueprint for
action by the organized Jewish community.
APPENDIX
Appendix Purpose of the
the JCPA
Public Affairs Agenda
The jCPA Public Affairs Agenda - formerly known as the joint Program
Plan -serves as an advisory guide to member agencies in their own pro-
gram planning. Each agency is free to accept, reject, modify or expand any
of the Agenda's recommendations.
The Public Affairs Agenda identifies and appraises changing conditions
and trends in order to gauge any potential impact on Jewish community
relations goals and concerns, and to determine priorities and strategic goals
for the next year. These broad judgemems allow the field to tailor a collec-
tive national response to changing conditions.
The Public Affairs Agenda is not a statement of jCPA policies as such,
nor is it a mere compilation of previously adopted positions, which remain
in effect until amended or superseded by the actions of the jCPA board of
directors or the plenum. In setting forth specific goals, the Agenda does
not spell out specific programs to achieve those goals. In the course of the
year, guidance is offered in memoranda that flow from deliberations and
recommendations made by the jCPA task forces.
68 JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFf'AIRS . AGENDA 1998-1999
Appendix How the JCPA
Public Affairs Agenda
was Formulated
In late 1997, draft propositions were prepared by the JCPA staff, which
were then circulated to all JCPA member agencies in advance of the
February 1998 plenum. Member agencies were urged to study and discuss
the propositions and to submit in writing those items they felt required
consideration and resolution by the plenum.
This year's draft document was approved at the plenum. To insure its
timeliness and accuracy, a final draft was reviewed ill April 1998 by the
Pubic Policy Formulation Committee, chaired by Michael Bohnen of
Boston and Judah Labovitz of Philadelphia. The Committee was com-
prised of the chairpersons ofallJCPA task forces, as well as lay and profes-
sional representatives from many of the national member agencies and
local Jewish community relations councils and committees.
The JCPA Public Aff.1irs Agenda for 1998-99 appears herein as adopted,
together with such dissents, exceptions and qualifications as expressed by
individual member agencies.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS NATIONAL AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES
Chair American Jewish Committee
Steven Schwarz, Wilkes-Barre Herbert Mines
Ronald G. Weiner
Vice Chairs
Susan Abravanel, Portlalld, Oregoll American Jewish Congress
Lee Adlerstein, MetroWest Morton Bu nis
Michael Bohnen, Boston Barry N. Wino!,'fad
Marvin Catler, Har!fOrd
Anit-Defamation League/B'nai B'rith
Dr. Leonard Cole, Bergen County/
Howard Berlowitz
North Hudson
Hugh Schwartzberg
Lois Frank, Atlallla
David Luchins, Hadassah
Unioll of Orthodox Jewish Ruth Cole
Congregation C?f America Judy Palkovitz
Paul N. Minkoff, Philadelphia
Jewish Labor Committee
Elaine Wishner,
Avrum Lyon
American Jewish Commil/ee
Emanuel Muravchik
Treasurer Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.
Ronald Abrams, LOllisville Herb Roscnbleeth
Robert M. Zweiman
Mark Schickman, Satl Francisco National Council ofJewish Woman
Past Chairs Nanci Bobrow
Albert E. Arent, Washington, DC Nan Rich
Jordall C. Band, Clevelalld Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Lewis D. Cole, Lollisville Leonard Fein
Aaron Goldman, ~Vash;'lgton, DC Judge David Davidson
Jacquc:line K. Levine, MetroWesl
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations
Lynn Lyss, National COl/lleil cif
of America
Jewish WomCll
Theodore R. Mann, Philadelphia David Luchins
Richard Stone
Michael N. Newmark, Louisville
Michael A. Pelavin, Flillt United Synagogue of Conservative Judaisml
Arden E. Shenker, Portland, Oregon Women's League for Conservative Judaism
Maynard I. Wishner, Chicago J.B. Mazar
Bennett Yanowitz, Clevelalld Evelyn Seelig
Executive Vice Chairman Women's American ORT
Lawrence Rubin Rosina Abramson
Muriel Hcrtan
Associate ExeclItive Vice ChairmJll
Martin J. Raffel
Assistant Executive Vice Chair
Karen Senter
Executive Vice Chair Emeritus
Albert D. Chernin
..•. ---
70 JEWISH COUNCIL fOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS' AGENDA 199 8 - 1 999
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES EX OFFICIO
Marie Abrams, Louispillc Paul Berger, W"shill,~'on, DC
Dr. Frank Boehm, Nashville David Bohm, St. Lollis
Suzanne F. Cohen, Baltimore Donna Bojarsky, Los AI!~eles
Theodore M. Eisenberg, Metl'O West Denis C. Braham, NCSj
David Feiss, Milwaukee Barry Cohen, Atlantic COllnty, Nj
Sheila Field, Mitlllcapolis Naomi Cohen, Hartford
Fredrick Frank, Pittsburgh Suzanne Engman, Des Moines
Betsy Gaberman, Sibyl Feder Gass, SOllt/,em N]
Springfield, Massacllllsells Lawrence Gold, Atlanta
Murray Gass, SouI/,enl, New jersey Anita Gray, Cleve/alJd
Bobbie Ghitis, Sail AlI'ollia Neil Greenbaum, HAIS
Warren Heilbronner, Rod"'stcr Helen Hollman, Palm &ach COllnty
Alfred Joseph, LOlliSllille Barbra Kaplan, P,Jlm Beadl COlltlly
Jacob Kil>hncr, j\;fidJle.<ex, Ncll' jcr.<ey Judah Labovitz, Philadelpllia
Michelle Kohn, West Pallll Reach Rhoda Mains, Mi,lllcsota & Dakotas
Charles Kriser, Chicago Howard Sachs, NCS]
Ruth Laibsoll, Philadelphia M. Melvin Shralow, PililadelplJia
Donald Lefton, A1iallfi Burton Siegel, CRC Directors Assn.
J. David Levy, SI. Lollis Michael Simon, Portland, Oregon
Geoffrey Lewis, Bostoll Rabbi Etry Spectre, Detroit
Sheri Lublin, Har[ford Norman Tilles, R/JOde Islan.d
Jerome Milch, Be~~C/I CO/lllly, Barry E. Ungar, Philadelpllia
New jersey Judge Jerry Wagner, Hartford
Maxine Richman, Rllodc Islmld RabbI Joel Zaiman, Baltimore
Eleanor Rubin, Central Nell' jersc),
James Samuels, Cletle/alld
Elaine Senter, Washing,oll, DC
Steven Silverman, Dctroit
Arthur Stern, Los Allgcles
Dr. Stephen Stone, Sprillgfield
Kenneth Sweder, Bo.<toll
Andrea Weinstc'in, Dallas
71
STAFF
Dr. Lawrence Rubin
F..xecutive Vice Chairman
Martin J. Raffel
Associate Executive Vice Chairman I
Director, Task Force on Israel and
Other International Concerns
Karen Senter
Assistam Executive Vice Chairl
Director, Domestic Cot/urns
Rhea Attia$
Director oj Resource Devl'lopment
Rebecca Boirn
Assistant Director,
It/ternatiollal Concerns
Guila Franklin
Associate Director, Domestic Concerns
Benita Gayle-Alrneleh
Senior Community Cot/sultam
Mark X. Jacobs
Director, Coalition on the
Environment and Jewish Ufe
(COEJL)
Rcva Price
Washil'lgton Representative
Marny Schwartz
Director oj Administration
Anat Youdkes
Office Mallager, COEJL
Administrative Staff
Laura Furmamki
Daniel Ramirez
Ricardo Soto
... "1!IIr ..•
~
