Government Relations | Jewish Silicon Valley

Government Relations

The JCRC builds consensus and advocates on public policy issues at the local, state and federal levels. Jewish values drive the issues considered, and priorities are based on collaboration opportunities for fundamental civil rights, economic and environmental issues. We encourage civic engagement, and provide opportunities for discussion with elected officials and Jewish community members.

Jewish American Heritage Month 2015

In 2006, President Bush proclaimed May to be Jewish American Heritage Month, in response to unanimous resolutions in both houses of Congress, recognizing the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. 2015 saw a great enthusiasm for celebrations around the country, including President Obama’s speech at Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, DC. In San Jose we held two events celebrating the vibrancy of Jewish Silicon Valley. The Flag Raising and Proclamation Ceremony sponsored by Vice Mayor Rose Herrera included a moving reflection by Susan Ellenberg on our local history, along with current challenges and successes.

Remarks by Susan Ellenberg

The Cultural Celebration on the plaza at City Hall was a joyous, multi-cultural shout out, featuring the Jewish reggae music of Lior Ben-Hur and Sol Tevel, sharing a message of strong, conscious and united community.

Jewish American Heritage Cultural Celebration, 5/31/2015

Photos Courtesy of Susan Gavens and Phil Kipnis 2015

Flag Raising & Proclamation Ceremony, 5/12/2015

Photos courtesy of Phil Kipnis 2015

Recent Events

School Board Candidates Reception, 9/18/14

Photo credit Marjan Sadoughi

Black-Jewish coalition on voting rights, 6/5/14

Judicial Candidates Reception, 5/1/14

Candidates Reception, 10/18/12

JCRC Chair Marci Gerston and board member Dorothy Dorsay joined San Jose’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, August 24, 2013.

JCRC Director Diane Fisher and County Human Relations Councilmember Sabuhi Siddique with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren at the swearing-in ceremony of Supervisor Cindy Chavez, August 20, 2013.