Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - AJC Human Relations Award Dinner
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Hilton at Short Hills
Dinner honoring Chris Martin, CEO of Provident Bank, with AJC's National Human Relations Award
Who We Are
The Metropolitan New Jersey Region, founded in 1946, has over 2000 members and supporters who reside in Essex, Morris, Union, Bergen, Hudson and Sussex counties.
The Region sponsors numerous educational programs for members and the general community that reflect the depth of AJC's national and international agenda. Members actively participate in advocacy, discussions and study groups which focus on such issues as the global war on terrorism, Israel, Iran, immigration, the balance between civil rights and national security and energy issues.
Among the Region's highly successful projects are those dedicated to improving interfaith relations, teaching about Israel to Christians, Holocaust education/prejudice reduction programs for students in public and private schools.
Each year, the Region honors a corporate leader with AJC's Institute of Human Relations Award and a prominent lawyer with the Learned Hand Award.
Internationally, we work to advance human rights, combat terrorism and aid in the quest for a peaceful Middle East.
Metro NJ Programs
1. "Through the Eyes of a Friend"
More than 170,000 New Jersey preteens and teenagers from public, private and parochial schools have experienced the Holocaust education/prejudice reduction program entitled, "Through the Eyes of a Friend." Each year 10,000 students learn about the Holocaust and are encouraged to look at their personal experiences with prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination. American Jewish Committee introduced this compelling program into New Jersey and serves as the promoter and booking agent in the state for this unique combination of live theater and video that draws the audience into the life of Anne Frank. Any group interested in "Through the Eyes of a Friend" can call, fax or e-mail the AJC New Jersey office for information on booking the program. AJC also books programs on the struggle for civil rights of African-Americans, the internment of Japanese-Americans in WW II, the story of Cesar Chavez and migrant farmworkers and the battle for women's right to vote.
2. The Stamp Out Hate Coalition
AJC spearheaded New Jersey's Stamp Out Hate Campaign in 1992 by bringing together 24 ethnic, racial and religious groups to work together to help eradicate prejudice through a wide range of education initiatives and public awareness programming. Since that time, the Stamp Out Hate Coalition partners, led by the AJC, have sponsored a statewide billboard campaign, distributed thousands of Stamp Out Hate buttons to schoolchildren, responded together to incidents of bias and coordinated an annual Stamp Out Hate Sabbath for New Jersey religious institutions. AJC is leading the Coalition in sponsoring an Annual Teen Conference during which teens and some parents explore one of our interactive programs on civil rights and issues of prejudice.
3. NJ Coalition Responds to the Crisis in Darfur www.njdarfur.org
4. AJC is the leading Jewish organization working with the state and other organizations on energy issues, and is especially promoting the electrification of transportation in order to reduce our dependence on oil. AJC is a founding member of NJSEF (NJ coalition for a sustainable energy future)
5. AJC recruits non-Jewish Leaders for Project Interchange Seminars in Israel. Since NJ Leaders who participated included Rev. Charles Rush, Professor Clement Price, Dr. Tasneem Shamim, Adam Zellner, Rey Caudillo and Rafael Cuellar. Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula will participate in a energy seminar in November 2010.
6. AJC received a grant from the Ford Foundation to engage in serious education on comprehensive immigration reform. During 2009 and 2010 AJC sponsored a day long skill building workshop for grassroots leaders from the Latino community and 3 round table discussions for NJ stakeholders from diverse backgrounds( business, law enforcement, education, clergy etc.)on immigration issues. The group created a NJ Statement of Principles on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. On December 12, 2010 a day long workshop for Jewish and Latino leaders took place.
7. Chapter members and staff have created a concise and compelling PowerPoint presentation entitled "Understanding Israel." AJC staff offers training to those interested in becoming presenters to area churches and civic groups. Call our office for additional information.
