Article

Biden-Harris Take “Landmark Step to Counter Antisemitism”

September 29, 2023

Dear Friend,

This week, the Biden administration announced landmark new actions to counter antisemitism. As part of the  Biden-Harris National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, eight federal agencies clarified for the first time in writing that “Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits certain forms of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and related forms of discrimination in federally funded programs and activities.” As the White House stated, “these protections will provide important tools to curb discrimination” and protect the civil rights of all Americans.

 

BIDEN-HARRIS STRATEGY TO COUNTER ANTISEMITISM

The Biden-Harris National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism is the most comprehensive and ambitious U.S. government effort to counter antisemitism in American history. It includes over 100 actions the Biden-Harris Administration is taking, and since the release of the strategy, federal agencies have taken dozens of actions. Read the White House Fact Sheet for more details and recommit to re-electing Biden-Harris in 2024, because they’re delivering on key issues of importance for Jewish Americans. We applaud their leadership.

 

JDCA MOURNS THE LOSS OF SENATOR FEINSTEIN 

Senator Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazer in the U.S. Senate who leaves a legacy of advancing our Jewish and Democratic values. From her time as a local elected official in San Francisco to her 31-year tenure in the Senate, Sen. Feinstein was a remarkable public servant who transformed principled leadership into meaningful action.

By championing and passing the assault weapons ban in the 1990s, Sen. Feinstein’s work saved countless American lives. Her long-standing efforts to advance marriage equality were transformative in the United States. A leader on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Feinstein ensured adherence to our values within the intelligence community, thereby strengthening national security.

As the first Jewish woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Feinstein was a role model for so many of us, and she will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of California, as together we mourn the loss of this political icon. May Sen. Feinstein’s memory forever be for a blessing.

 

SUKKOT

Tonight marks the beginning of Sukkot, and we wish all those celebrating a Chag Sukkot Sameach. We celebrate this harvest holiday by welcoming guests into our sukkahs for festive meals, a reminder of our duty to welcome the stranger, help those in need, and feed the hungry. At JDCA, we work toward a more equitable world in which the basic human dignity of all people is realized and where government works equally for all people to achieve their potential and aspirations. This Sukkot, we renew this call to action.

THE ROAD TO 2024 

Next week, join us for the first event of our new series “The Road to 2024.” This conversation – which will spotlight voting rights – will be moderated by political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen and feature Secretaries of State Jocelyn Benson (MI), Cisco Aguilar (NV), and Adrian Fontes (AZ).

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,

Hon. Ron Klein
Board Chair, Jewish Democratic Council of America

Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America