Buffalo / Niagara (716) 819-1213
Laura Abate, Chapter Director abatel@ajc.org
Hal P. Kingsley(hal@halkingsley.com), Chapter President
http://www.ajcbuffalo.org
Who We Are
Our Buffalo/Niagara Chapter founded in 1943, plays a leadership role in addressing issues critical to the local Jewish community and in advocating AJC’s positions on national and international matters. We have forged a unique and productive alliance with both Jewish and non-Jewish groups in an effort to advance the central ideals of the AJC. We participate actively in combating anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry; we work to reinforce American pluralism and the separation of church and state; we strive energetically to strengthen the security of Israel; and we work ceaselessly to enhance the quality of life in the Buffalo and Niagara region.
Chapter Programs
* Jewish-Christian relations: Every fall our Chapter sponsors the annual Gellman Lecture in co-operation with Niagara University and presented on their campus. This program offers outstanding speakers active in Jewish-Christian relations. Every spring we hold a Catholic/Jewish Dialogue. This program brings high level scholars to address issues of concern to both communities.
Every spring our annual Interfaith Community Seder brings together more than 300 participants from different faiths to share and understand the experience of exodus and freedom.
* Polish American/Jewish American Council: The Chapter convened this Council to promote greater understanding between local Jews and Poles. Through dialogue and programs, such as our annual Klezmer-Polka concert, members learn respect for each other's unique heritage and shared history and work to overcome stereotypes.
* Education Program: Each year our Chapter implements the AJC's "Hands Across the Campus" initiative by selecting three high schools from entrants throughout Erie and Niagara Counties. The school that most successfully promotes understanding and respect of others' traditions and differences is awarded the Marlene Glickman High School Human Relations Award.
* Human Relations: Our annual Institute of Human Relations Award luncheon honors outstanding individuals in the WNY community and is warmly greeted and well attended. Past honorees include Jack Connors, Muriel Moore, Seymour Knox, Susan Warren Russ and Gail and Bruce Johnstone. This past year we similarly honored Ralph Halpern, Harold Halpern, Judy Chick and Joe and Eunice Fox. This year we will be honoring Eugene Setel, David Bunis, Sol Elkin and NY State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt.
* Advocacy Program: Our Chapter makes its voice heard in the local press, to clarify issues of concern. We serve to educate the public through forum and discussions. Our programs examine a wide field of subjects including change in immigration laws, school vouchers and charitable choice and the Declaration of Human Rights after 50 years.
* Voter Awareness Program: Our annual "On the Issues" forum in cooperation with the League of Women Voters, looks at church/state and other issues on the legislative agenda. We meet and have an ongoing dialogue with our elected local, state and federal officials. This allows us to express AJC's positions and concerns in this community, in Albany and in Washington. This year, all our three local congressman appeared before an audience of 200 AJC members and guests.
* Project Interchange: We send WNY community leaders to Israel. Among the local leaders we have sent to Israel are Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Assemblyman Robin Schimminger and New York State Assembly Majority Leader Paul Tokasz.
* We monitor racial and anti-Semitic actions in Western New York and we respond to them in the public and private sector.
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