Greater Miami and Broward Chapter
(305) 670-1121
Miami@ajc.org

Brian Siegal, Executive Director
Bernita M. King, Chapter President

Who We Are

Founded in 1952, and with more than 700 member families to date, the hallmark of the Greater Miami & Broward Chapter of the American Jewish Committee is building human bridges of mutual trust and understanding within the Jewish and general communities. The Young Professionals Network (YPN), our young adult division, is a vibrant part of the Chapter and provides leadership development, networking, stimulating programs and hands-on volunteer service. The Greater Miami & Broward Chapter is recognized for its diverse programs designed to enhance Jewish learning and identity as well as numerous interfaith and inter-ethnic activities. Internationally, we work to advance human rights, combat terrorism and aid in the quest for a peaceful Middle East.

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 Miami as well as with foreign representatives.

Chapter Programs

International Relations: 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 Greater Miami & Broward 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 Consular Corps of Miami. 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 Greater Miami & Broward Chapter sponsors many open forums and meetings attended by Consuls General and others, led by guest speakers from the Jewish community.

Legislative Advocacy Program: Our 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.

Intergroup Relations: AJC firmly believes that the future of our pluralistic democracy rests on building and maintaining strong relationships with other ethnic, religious, and minority communities. Therefore, enhancing intergroup understanding and cooperation continues to be at the top of the Chapter's agenda. This program works to combat misconceptions and stereotypes and encourage education and tolerance of different cultures. For example, our Latino Affairs committee brought together leaders from both communities to discuss the present status and future of relations between these two important groups in our community.

Contemporary Jewish Life: AJC is dedicated to ensuring Jewish continuity and creating Jewish renewal at a time when assimilation has reached new heights. AJC strives to build stronger ties among Jewish denominations in America, to strengthen relations and understanding between American Jewry and Israeli Jews, and to advocate for Jewish communal policies that ensure Jewish continuity in the future.

Project Interchange: AJC provides travel seminars in Israel for America's political, civic, ethnic and religious leaders through Project Interchange. Founded in 1982, Project Interchange, an Institute of the American Jewish Committee, educates American policy makers and opinion leaders through firsthand experience about Israel and the Middle East peace process.

Project Interchange's specially-designed seminar programs strengthen relations between the U.S. and Israel, promote mutually beneficial ties between influential Americans and Israelis, and enhance intergroup relations in the United States. Georgia Ayers, Dr, Arnhilda Badia, Javier Bray, Dr. Yoel Camayd-Freixas, Paul Cejas, Agustin de Goytisolo, Guarione Diaz, Mario Diaz-Balart, Alfredo Duran, Archbishop John C. Gavalora, Josie Goytisolo, Barbara Gutierrez, Jim Howe, Daryl Jones, Raul Masvidal, Archbishop Edward McCarthy, Carrie Meek, Ramon A. Mestre, Rev. Dr. Patrick H. O'Neill, Denisse M. Oller, Dr. David Perez-Ginart, John C. Rayson, Rev. Walter T. Richardson, Harvey Ruvin, Katy Sorenson, Matt Ward, Bishop Thomas Wenski, Rev. Priscilla Felisky Whitehead, Alberto Ibargüen, Humberto Castello, Joaquim Utset, Helen Aguirre-Ferre, Jimmy Morales, and Mohammed Shakir, from Miami, have experienced Israel through Project Interchange's "crash course" travel seminars.