Los Angeles (310) 282-8080 LosAngeles@ajc.org
Rabbi Gary Greenebaum, Western Regional Director
Sherry Weinman, Chapter President
Peter Weil, Chairman
Who We Are
AJC's Los Angeles Chapter was chartered in 1945 by a "who's who" of prominent individuals from the local Jewish community who saw a need to strengthen inter-ethnic, international and interreligious relations between Jews and diverse communities. Since our founding, the Los Angeles Chapter has become a leading authority in intergroup relations in the United States.
Our guiding principles center on the belief that:
Confrontations between people and groups occur due to a lack of knowledge and understanding;
Positive relationships with political, religious and communal leaders, built on mutual respect and understanding, can overcome conflict;
Steps should be taken to diffuse confrontation through mediation before relations become strained;
In a democracy, the rights of Jews are protected only when the rights of all people are protected.
Much of our work is done behind the scenes and through diplomatic means to build positive relationships and bridges with ethnic communities in Los Angeles as well as with foreign representatives.
Chapter Programs
1. International Relations Program
To accomplish our goals in the international relations arena -- a prime goal being the education of foreign leaders about Judaism, issues of Jewish concern and democratic ideals -- the Los Angeles Chapter works to build positive relationships based on trust and honesty. Our members are trained in diplomacy and international protocol, enabling them to establish a rapport with diplomats and other foreign officials. Through the years, our members have established close professional and social relations with members of the Consul General Corps of Los Angeles. The establishment of amicable relations provides an avenue for the exchange of ideas to inspire change for better conditions and democratic ideals in nations around the world.
The Los Angeles Chapter sponsors many open forums and meetings attended by Consuls General and others, led by guest speakers from the Jewish community.
2. Catholic/Jewish Educational Enrichment Program (C/JEEP)
The Los Angeles Chapter, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Roman Catholic Archdiocese, pioneered the Catholic/Jewish Educational Enrichment Program (C/JEEP) in 1992. Comprehensive comparative religion classes are taught to more than 4,000 students in local Catholic high schools and Jewish day schools by rabbis and priests, respectively. Made possible, in part, by funding from Steven Spielberg's Righteous Persons Foundation, the program addresses the need for better understanding between Catholics and Jews. C/JEEP is a successful model program and has expanded into other major cities throughout the United States, including New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco.
An integral portion of the program curriculum focuses on educating students about the consequences of intolerance, racism and anti-Semitism. Additionally, students study about the common roots and differences between Judaism and Christianity. Fundamental questions regarding beliefs and traditions are answered in an open, honest and interpersonal forum. In this way, Jewish and Catholic students gain an insight into, and appreciation of, each other's religion.
3. Urban Affairs Program
The Los Angles Chapter's Urban Affairs Program builds partnerships within the diverse Los Angeles community and works to combat misconceptions and stereotypes and encourage education and tolerance of different cultures. For example, our Latino/Jewish Leadership Series brought together leaders from both communities to discuss the present status and future of relations between these two important groups in our community.
4. Legislative Advocacy Program
The Legislative Advocacy Program addresses legislative issues on the local, state and national level. Members and staff meet with elected and appointed officials to impart the organization's position on various subjects such as the separation of church and state, immigration and civil rights.
| 
