March 22, 2025
AJC New York partnered with Congregation Or Zarua, led by Rabbi Scott Bolton, for a meaningful Shabbat program that underscored AJC’s unique role in shaping a more secure and collaborative Middle East, highlighting the recent launch of the AJC Center for a New Middle East. The morning featured Jason Isaacson, AJC’s Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, who delivered a compelling address from the bimah. His remarks explored the rapidly evolving regional landscape in the aftermath of October 7 and highlighted the diplomatic and moral challenges shaping Israel’s future and its place in the region.
Isaacson spoke about the vision of the AJC Center for a New Middle East, AJC’s bold new initiative aimed at deepening ties between Israel and Muslim nations, advancing civil society partnerships, and countering extremism. His remarks underscored the importance of regional cooperation and the urgent need for international resolve in the face of terror. Isaacson’s message was clear: peace and progress are still possible, but require clarity of purpose and sustained engagement.
Following services and Kiddush, the conversation continued with Rob Skolnick, AJC New York Regional President and longtime Or Zarua member, and Laura Epstein, President of AJC ACCESS NY. Rob reflected on his experiences traveling to the Gulf with AJC over the past six years, noting the striking openness of Gulf societies and the remarkable access AJC has had to senior leadership in these countries. He described firsthand the value of consistent presence, relationship-building, and trust—pillars of AJC’s approach to diplomacy that are now bearing fruit.
Laura shared her own powerful reflections, offering insight into ACCESS as AJC’s young leadership division—not emerging leadership, but emerged leadership. She described her participation in the AJC-Mimouna Michael Sachs Emerging Leaders Fellowship, an interfaith and cross-cultural initiative that brought together young Jewish leaders from the U.S. and Israel and their Muslim peers in Morocco. Her experiences underscored the possibility of real connection across borders and backgrounds, and the urgency of investing in the next generation of global advocates.
The Shabbat programming concluded with a reflection on AJC’s long-term, strategic approach to diplomacy—whether through early postwar engagement with Germany, interreligious breakthroughs like Nostra Aetate, or decades of foundational work in Asia and the Gulf. AJC takes the long view, and that same patient, persistent commitment underpins its vision for a new Middle East.
If you are interested in inviting American Jewish Committee leaders and experts to speak at your synagogue in New York City, please contact us at [email protected].
