Education, leadership development, and advocacy from a progressive Jewish platform
The Jewish Center for Justice is a distinguished social justice, education, and leadership development platform that empowers current and future leaders to build a more compassionate and just society.
A diverse movement and community spanning generations and denominations, JCJ connects Jewish justice activists with unique opportunities to formulate their voices and make a real impact on issues such as immigration, gun violence prevention, economic justice, climate change, and more.
“Engaging with JCJ on campus has enriched my college experience by providing the tools and confidence I needed to raise my voice for justice, as well as a better understanding of how my activism is intrinsically linked to my Judaism.”
— Kevin Gibson, UC Berkeley
Advocacy
Recent Blog Posts
JCJ Responds to Push to Dismantle the Department of Education
In response to the Trump Administration’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, JCJ Founding Board Member and LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin issued the following statement:
“The Jewish Center for Justice strongly condemns the push to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, viewing it as a direct threat to our most vulnerable students and a betrayal of the core values of justice, equity, and dignity.
“This effort is not simply a bureaucratic reorganization – it is a crisis that puts millions of children at risk. More than 7 million students in the United States depend on special education services provided through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Without federal oversight and enforcement, many could lose access to the critical resources they need to succeed in the classroom.
“Children with disabilities are already twice as likely to face suspension or expulsion compared to their peers. The removal of federal protections would only deepen these disparities and further marginalize those already at risk.
“In addition, nearly 16% of children in the U.S. live in poverty. These students rely on essential services like after-school programs, educational resources, and school meal programs—all of which are safeguarded and supported by the Department of Education. Over 30 million students count on school meals for breakfast and lunch, which for many are their only meals of the day. Without federal guidance and funding, these programs could be stripped away, leaving millions of children hungry and unsupported.
“The Department of Education plays a critical role in promoting equity, protecting students’ rights, and ensuring all children—regardless of background, income, or ability—have access to a quality education. Eliminating it would erode these protections and widen the gap between the privileged and the underserved.
“JCJ reaffirms its commitment to fighting for educational equity and standing with families who would be most impacted by this dangerous agenda. We call on policymakers, educators, and communities of faith to resist this effort and advocate for a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Take Action : Protect Transgender & Reproductive Healthcare in California
Take ACTION by contacting your State Legislators and encouraging them to enact a bill to protect transgender and reproductive healthcare in California. Find your California Assembly Member and Senator! Sample script: Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling from...
JCJ Responds to Trump’s Divisive and Lie-Filled Address
In response to President Trump's address to Congress, the Jewish Center for Justice issued the following statement: "Last night’s address from Donald Trump was filled with falsehoods and demeaning rhetoric, too many to cover in full. Rather than fact-checking every...
