Contact JCRC Director, Lisa Epstein
About
The focus of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is to promote and advance the interests of the Jewish people, to preserve and maintain the dignity and integrity of the Jewish people, and to defend and protect civil, political, and religious rights wherever such rights are in jeopardy.
Jewish Communities Virtual Day at the State
Did you know February is Jewish Advocacy month? Make your voice heard and join our Jewish community advocacy efforts with the Texas Legislature. Fill out this form to let us know your information and interests and we will ensure you know of upcoming training sessions and meetings with local legislators.
JCRC in the News
STATEMENT ON ANTI-SEMITIC REMARKS BY ILL. REP. MARY MILLER
JANUARY 8, 2021
The Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio and the Jewish Community Relations Council, both programs of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, thank Senator José Menéndez for joining us in this statement.
There is no place for any global leader, let alone an American democratically elected official, to quote Nazi propaganda. This behavior normalizes that which should be relegated to the annals of humankind's darkest hour.
Incoming U.S. Congressional Representative Mary Miller of Illinois quoted Adolph Hitler while rallying her base in a public speech this week, saying “Hitler was right on one thing….” The Jewish Community Relations Council and the Holocaust Memorial Museum of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio unequivocally condemn this statement.
To say Hitler was right about anything dishonors and exploits the memory of all those who perished under the cruelty of his leadership and regime during the Holocaust, the descendants of those fortunate enough to survive the perils of WWII, and all those who fought with honor against the Nazi party and their “Final Solution” objective. It is not only anti-American, but also inhumane, to say that Hitler was right about anything.
We cannot stand idly by in the face of injustice, no matter who is being targeted. We are deeply offended and increasingly concerned that extreme ideologies such as this are given a platform with no consequence. One lesson unfortunately learned by all victims of the Holocaust is that lies, propaganda, and rhetoric lead to danger, violence, and death. We emphatically call upon Representative Miller to apologize for this egregious statement.
Michael Swanson
Board Chair, Jewish Federation of San Antonio
Interim Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Federation of San Antonio
Director of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
Linda Solis, Ph.D.
Chair, HMMSA Commission
Winslow Swart, Chair
Jewish Community Relations Council of San Antonio
Senator Jose Menendez
Texas State Senator, District 26
Pillars For Our Changing World
Fighting Against Anti-Semitism
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To report local anti-Semitic incidents - email epsteinL@jfsatx.org
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To report an anti-Semitic, bias, or discriminatory incident - email the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
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A movement started by the ADL, Stop hate for profit, is working towards ending hate, bigotry, racism, anti-Semitism, and disinformation do not have a place on social media platforms.
Promoting a Relationship with Israel
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Our Israel Leadership Institute for rising college freshmen equips students with the right language and tools to have difficult conversations about Israel while at college.
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Our Partnership with the Western Galilee provides a unique opportunity for our communities to connect and learn from one another.
Developing Community Relationships
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In response to the global health crisis, we called on members of the community join us in our #MaskUpSA campaign
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We partner with other faith based organizations for programs, including our MLK Interfaith Service, and Annual Catholics and Jews Celebrate Hanukkah event happening virtually this year on December 10th.
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We join our community in marching at the Annual San Antonio MLK CommUnity March, the largest MLK march in the United States.
Advocating For Our Community
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Jewish Communities Day at the State - information about 2021 coming soon
Promoting Equal Justice & Opportunity For All
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Our program, Mass Incarceration: A Policy Crisis, brought together members of the San Antonio community to hear from those who had previously been incarcerated, as well as the District Attorney and local sheriff.
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We worked ensure local seniors of the community received mail in ballots in order to vote.
Interested in learning more about the JCRC?
Sign up for our email interest list today and receive notifications on upcoming programs and opportunities.
JCRC Leadership and Members
Winslow Swart, Council Chair
Lisa Epstein, PhD, Director
Irwin Barath (B'nai B'rith and Jewish War Veterans)
Marion Bernstein (Congregation Beth Am)
Talli Dolge (Jewish Family Service)
Deb Field (at large)
Nancy Gerson (at large)
Lisa Goldstein (Temple Chai)
Ross Halfant (at large)
Mark Ingram (HMMSA)
Judy Lackritz (at large)
Daniel Laser (at large)
Debbie Linck (Hadassah)
Mina Lopez (Temple Beth-El)
Philip Moss (at large)
Barbara Powell (Congregation Rodfei Sholom)
Dr. Michael Ozer (Congregation Agudas Achim)
Laura Richardson (Hebrew Free Loan Association)
Tory Richmond (Jewish Family Service)
Danielle Roberts (SAJSS)
Rachel Rustin (JCC)
Natalie Steiner (Hillel)
Lori Stockstiel (NCJW)
Rachel Walsh (at large)
Rabbi Chaim Block (Chabad)
Rabbi Ben Richards (Congregation Agudas Achim)
Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg (Congregation Rodfei Sholom)
Samantha Wohler (at large)
Rabbi Marina Yergin (Temple Beth-El)
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Questions about the Jewish Community Relations Council?