AJC-LI, together with the Latino Jewish Council, organized a well attended and well publicized rally in Patchogue on Wednesday, November 12th.
Numerous speakers, led AJC-LI President Alon Kapen, decried the wanton and senseless murder of Mr. Lucero who was targeted by a gang of 7 teenagers because he was Latino. Alon called for the community to unite and respond to this incident with actions that will prevent this from ever happening again on Long Island. Board member Howard Weitzman, the Comptroller of Nassau County, Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri and New York State Human Rights Commissioner Galen Kirkland were among the speakers.
Mr. Lucero’s brother, Joselo, was an unexpected attendee at the rally. His impromptu address to the gathered crowd was quite powerful. Especially moving was his comment that when his brother was murdered he felt alone but at the rally he felt like he has a family in Patchogue.
Who We Are
American Jewish Committee's Long Island Chapter was founded in 1971. Our work is guided by the principle that the rights and freedoms of Jews and minorities are safe only when they are secure for all. To that end, our Chapter emphasizes activities that reach out in innovative ways to other faith communities and ethnic groups. The Chapter, with 1,200 member households, is committed to a broad agenda including programming and advocacy on behalf of Israel's security, and the fight against anti-Semitism, human rights, inter group relations, interfaith outreach and church/state issues.
The Long Island Chapter is proud to be a driving force in enriching the quality of Jewish life locally, bringing educational programs to synagogues and schools across Long Island, in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The hallmark of our work is building bridges between the Jewish and the growing multi-faith community in our region. AJC is a member of the Multi-faith Forum of Long Island and co-sponsors the Christian-Jewish-Muslim Clergy Dialogue on the Middle East with the Long Island Council of Churches. We are founding members of the Long Island Immigrant Alliance.
The Chapter is a very visible presence on the Long Island scene and is recognized as a vital resource in the community. Always at the forefront of anti-bias and religious liberties issues, the Long Island Chapter was recognized by Governor Pataki for the vital role it played in the passage of the NY State Workplace Religious Freedom Act. The Chapter was an active member of the coalition that brought success to the long embattled NYS Hate Crimes legislation AJC is a co-sponsor of the Annual Prejudice Reduction Conference.
The Long Island Chapter maintains a close working relationship with the Bias Crimes Units in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties in an effort to monitor anti-Semitism and engage in prejudice-reduction programming in the "trouble spots." In the past, we have offered and presented rewards for information leading to the arrest of perpetrators of bias crimes and we serve as a vigilant watchdog in the fight against bigotry in our community.
Upcoming Events-Click here
On August 14th at Temple Beth El in Great Neck AJC-LI held a special screening of "We Are All One: The Jews of Sefwi Wiawso," followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.
Click here for the Jewish Week Article on the event
May 14, 2008 Judge Learned Hand Award Dinner Honorees:
Hon. Leon Lazer and Michael Ettinger, Esq. Click here to see photos.
CURRENT INITIATIVES
Latino Jewish Council - Long Island is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in America and a large and growing Latino community. In recognition of the growth and strength of these vibrant communities, the American Jewish Committee convened the first in a series of Intergroup Relations Summits as a part of a pilot project on Jewish-Latino Relations, in New York City, in January 2004. Over 50 participants representing New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Boston and New Jersey participated in the event. The representatives of Long Island who participated in the NYC summit were committed to continuing the relationship that had blossomed. A follow-up to the Summit, formed the Latino-Jewish Council.
We envision the Latino Jewish Council of Long Island as a vehicle for outreach, dialogue and cooperation between these two vibrant and important communities. The LJC will endeavor to work to advance human rights within the context of a Latino-Jewish partnership focusing on erasing stereotypes, developing close relationships and working to fight inequality and bigotry. The LJC will accomplish this mission through outreach, education and advocacy in the following areas: legislative advocacy, business networking, and civic engagement.
Energy Independence As part of AJC's ongoing efforts to improve our national, environmental, and economic security by decreasing our dependence on foreign sources of oil, the Long Island Chapter has created an Energy Task Force. Task Force Chairman Steven Zelkowitz is Executive Vice-President for Generation Business Development and Energy Supply at National Grid. Click here to take AJC's Energy Pledge
Israel and the Middle East Briefings - The Chapter brings important international speakers and guests to the local Long Island community including AJC experts, Consulate diplomats, Israeli government officials and national politicians.
LongIsland@ajc.org Alon Kapen, President Caroline Levy, Director Melissa Sostrin, Assistant Director Sherry Phelps Administrative Assistant
(516) 942-2651
Fax: (516) 942-4759
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