JDCA Weekly Wrap Up – Take Action in the New Year & Volunteer with JDCA
Friends,
The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) hopes everyone had an easy and meaningful fast on Yom Kippur. As we reflect on the changes we would like to see in the year to come, we have redoubled our commitment to tikkun olam and ensuring our government reflects our values, starting with the midterm election in just 46 days. If you agree that these elections are critically important to our future, as well as that of future generations, please join our movement today and support JDCA in its efforts to ensure Democrats take back the House and Senate, and lay the groundwork for a Democratic win in 2020.
As we consider events of the past week in the context of our Jewish values, we are reminded of the importance of kehillah, or community, especially as we prepare to gather under the sukkah. We cannot bring about change alone, and must rely on our community to collectively make a difference. That is why we are asking you to volunteer with JDCA in the midterm election, and create or join a JDCA phonebank or canvass today. Sign-up to volunteer online or email [email protected] with “volunteer” in the subject line, and read on for our take on current events…
SCOTUS Developments
There are many reasons we oppose Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, but even Kavanaugh’s supporters could not have anticipated recent allegations against Kavanaugh of sexual assault. As the Senate Judiciary Committee considers next steps on Kavanaugh’s nomination, including additional testimony, JDCA reiterates the importance of delaying the Kavanaugh vote until the Senate has all the information it needs to make an informed decision. Join JDCA in calling on the Senate to delay the Kavanaugh vote by adding your name to JDCA’s SCOTUS petition.
Even if there is a delayed vote, JDCA has not wavered in its opposition to Kavanaugh’s confirmation. If confirmed, Kavanaugh would shift the ideological balance of the Supreme Court away from our values and fundamental rights, including reproductive rights, setting back decades of social progress. Moreover, the confirmation process surrounding his nomination has been deeply flawed. Republicans blocked the release of thousands of pages of documents detailing Kavanaugh’s role in prior government positions, depriving Senators of their ability to “advise and consent” on a nomination with all the necessary information. Now that the Senate is aware of credible significant allegations against him, Kavanaugh must testify again, and we support an FBI investigation. This is not a partisan issue. The credibility and balance of the Court is at stake. Join JDCA in writing to your Senator today urging them to oppose Kavanaugh’s nomination.
You “Beto” Read This
This week, JDCA National Board member Marc Stanley (TX) published an op-ed in the Jerusalem Post about why he supports Rep. Beto O’Rourke for the U.S. Senate. He explains that Rep. O’Rourke is a strong supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship, and provides insight into the potential dangers of Republican-led attempts to use Israel as a partisan wedge issue in the upcoming election.
Rooting for Rouda
This week, JDCA released a statement strongly condemning Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) for his ongoing alignment with those who deny the Holocaust, perpetuate racism and anti-Semitism, and align with the alt-right. In response to Rohrabacher’s deeply troubling ties with those who espouse such views, JDCA called on the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) to repudiate Rep. Rohrabacher’s candidacy for Congress and endorse Rep. Rohrabacher’s opponent, Harley Rouda, who we believe will represent Jewish and Democratic values in Congress. As JDCA has previously stated, the only way to ensure that the numerous Republican neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and Holocaust deniers – as well as those who sympathize with them – are not elected to Congress is to endorse, and support, and vote for their Democratic opponents.
We can all do more in 5779 — Volunteer with JDCA
On Yom Kippur we reflected on ways to improve our community and country in the coming year. For JDCA, that means supporting elected officials and candidates who share our Jewish Democratic values in order to bring about meaningful political change. We cannot do it alone, and need your help in order to mobilize our community. As the midterms approach, join JDCA in canvassing, phone banking, and getting out the vote. Check out our website, where you can sign-up to volunteer and find events near you, and email us to learn more or to create your own volunteer event!
Briefing Call with Rep. Raskin Next Friday
Join JDCA’s next briefing call with Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) regarding “Checks and Balances: The Role of Congress in the Age of Trump” next Friday, September 28, at 2:00 pm EST. You don’t want to miss it!
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
Ron Klein
Chair, Jewish Democratic Council of America