On September 12, over 65 leaders from the Jewish community traveled with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, PA, to meet with state leaders and raise awareness about issues of concern within the community, including antisemitism, hate crimes, violence prevention, religious rights, nonprofit security grants, reproductive health, and more.

“Certainly from a Jewish perspective, we’ve seen an uptick in antisemitism that is nationwide both in actual attacks and in emails and threats,” noted Robin Schatz, director of government affairs at the Jewish Federation.

Hosted by the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), NextGen, Women of Vision and Women’s Philanthropy groups along with the Anti-Defamation League and American Jewish Committee, the group attended informative sessions with high-level representatives across the political aisle and lobbying visits with key legislators. 

The informative sessions featured discussions with Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Chad Dion Lassiter, Senators Judy Schwank and Amanda Cappalletti, Pennsylvania Budget Secretary Uri Monson, State Representatives Tim Briggs and Mike Schlossberg, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, Executive Director of the Senate Appropriations Committee Mark Mekilo and Secretary of State Al Schmidt.

“I am so inspired by all the people in my community who came to Harrisburg to make a difference, make change and make our community as strong as it can be,” said Danielle Weiss, Chair of JCRC. “Through my work with JCRC, I'm able to surround myself with community members who truly care and give me the sense that I'm not alone.”

See the Jewish Exponent's coverage of Advocacy Day here.

Senators Judy Schwank and Amanda Cappalletti spoke to the group about bills protecting reproductive rights in Pennsylvania.

Participants heard from nine state government officials who spoke about antisemitism and hatred, reproductive rights, violence prevention and more.

Executive Director of the Senate Appropriations Committee Mark Mekilo led a discussion about Nonprofit Security Grants.

Participants met with representatives and staffers in small groups to lobby for issues of import to the Jewish community.

Over 65 leaders participated in Advocacy Day.

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Interested in effecting change in your Jewish community? Learn more about the Jewish Community Relations Council at jewishphilly.org/jcrc.