Empowering Leaders.
Inspiring Change.
Empowering current and future leaders to build a more compassionate and just society
The Jewish Center for Justice is a distinguished social justice, education, and leadership development platform that meets each individual where they are in their journey to inspire change.
The Micah D. Bycel Fund for Legislative Fellows
On August 27, 2022, the Jewish Center for Justice community suffered a devastating loss with the sudden and untimely death of Board Member Micah Bycel (z”l).
The JCJ community has created a special fund to honor Micah’s memory and secure his legacy. Micah was a kind and compassionate soul. He saw a broken world and was determined to make it better for his kids and the next generation. In his honor, The Micah D. Bycel Fund for Legislative Fellows will help shape the next generation of Jewish justice activists.
In addition to the Fund, we have renamed the program, The Micah D. Bycel Legislative Fellowship. All future fellows will learn of Micah’s memory and advocate for justice in his honor.
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Meet the 2024 Micah D. Bycel Summer Legislative Fellows
Fellowship Coordinator
My name is Talia Cohen and I start my first year of the Master’s in Social Work program at Columbia University this fall. Five years ago, I participated in JCJ’s summer cohort program and am thrilled to return as a mentor for the 2024 summer cohort. Social justice has always been a core value of mine my in work with marginalized communities, and I am eager to help new students in the program gain hands-on advocacy experience. I look forward to fostering a supportive environment for all fellows where we can where we can work together to develop innovative solutions to complicated problems, interact with legislation, and bolster JCJ’s mission and values.
My name is Leor Hersh, and I am a rising junior at The Bay School of San Francisco. I am extremely excited to join JCJ Fellows because I am interested in youth activism, social change, and legislative action. Along with inspiring and educating others, my primary focus this summer is environmental justice and voting rights. I want to make the world a better place one day at a time. Outside of JCJ, I enjoy running, reading, taking photos, and spending time with friends and family.
My name is Addison Carson, and I am a rising senior at the Harvard-Westlake school. I believe the work I do with JCJ is extremely important, and that all teenagers should have a base knowledge on what is happening in our government and the world. It is important that our generation begins to work on gaining justice in all areas possible, as we are the future leaders. The work that JCJ does is incredible, and the perspective that high school students bring to the table is both interesting and necessary. I am particularly interested in all topics regarding legal and criminal justice, as well as mental health.
My name is Jack Sampson and I’m a rising sophomore at Brentwood school. I’m currently interested in social justice advocacy, journalism, and sports, specifically football and baseball. In addition, I’m a section editor for my school newspaper, The Brentwood Flyer, and I’m also an athlete on Brentwood’s baseball team. During my free time I like to attend these topics of interest along with going to the gym and lifting weights.
My name is Dylan Westheimer and I am a rising senior at Windward School in Los Angeles. I am extremely passionate about the environment and combating the climate crisis and look forward to continuing my fight as a JCJ Micah fellow. This interest also extends to my passion for rock climbing and the outdoors.
Take Action : Protect election workers from interference and intimidation
Take ACTION by contacting your State Legislators and encouraging them to enact a bill to protect election workers — as well as voters — from interference and intimidation. Find your California Assembly Member and Senator! Sample script: Hello, my name is [your name]....
Take Action: Require Gun Registration & Firearm Safety Certificate
Take ACTION by contacting your State Legislators and encouraging them to enact bills that would require firearms to be registered annually, and a Firearm Safety Certificate. Find your California Assembly Member and Senator! Sample script: Hello, my name is [your...
