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1120 20th Street NW, Suite 300N Washington, D.C. 20036

info@bnaibrith.org

202-857-6600

by Suzanne Pollak

When Jews came to this country in larger numbers between 1880 and 1920, they often found factory jobs. Less-than-ideal working conditions sent the new Americans to the forefront of a movement that led to the creation of labor unions. That activism continued throughout the civil rights movement as Jews marched arm in arm with African Americans in their fight for equality.

A tradition of being in the forefront of the day’s social issues continues as strong as ever, even though Jews are estimated to be a mere 2 percent of America’s population.

Gun control, immigration, the farm bill, Occupy America, the homeless, a woman’s right to choose, clean sources of energy, affordable housing for all. Pick an issue and there’s an excellent chance Jews are on the board of directors, part of a faith-based initiative or high up on the donor’s list.

…besides the organizations mentioned above, there are so many more Jewish groups involved in repairing the world. Some of them include Jews United for Justice, Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Hazon, Anti-Defamation League, Green Zionist Alliance, HIAS, B’nai B’rith International, American Jewish Committee, Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, National Council of Jewish Women and the Jewish Justice Roundtable…more.