JCC, Jewish Leaders Meet with AG Sessions
Passover Issue, 2017
JCC Association of North America and a delegation of Jewish leaders met with Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the aftermath of 88 Jewish Community Centers or day schools that share campuses with them, in 36 states and four Canadian provinces, receiving 134 threats over the past three months, as well as threats to other Jewish institutions. The delegation had requested a meeting with the AGl to discuss the investigation, federal and local law agencies' support for Jewish Community Centers and other Jewish institutions, the safety of Jewish institutions, and next steps.
Other groups included the ADL, the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, Jewish Federations of N. America, and Secure Community Network.In attendance were JCC executives from Rockville, Md., Wilmington, Del., Baltimore, and Birmingham.
JCC Association of N. America President and CEO Doron Krakow said after the meeting, “We are pleased by the ongoing engagement from Attorney General Sessions, the FBI, and other federal agencies on this case.”
“We were gratified to hear from Attorney General Sessions that every incident is significant and won't be tolerated. We are appreciative that he understands the continued impact these threats have hadand the role law enforcement can play in helping to prevent further acts of terror.
Stephen P. Seiden, Chair of JCC Association of North America's Board of Directors added, “We are looking forward to continued collaboration with government at all levels as we ensure that our JCCs are following the very best safety and security protocols.”
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director of the ADL, said, “We thank the Attorney General for meeting with us. We were very encouraged to hear the Attorney General commit to the enforcement of existing hate crimes laws.”
Richard Stone, a previous Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, said, “The Attorney General was extraordinarily sensitive to the growing threat of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States. The Conference of Presidents was glad that it could join our colleagues in such an important meeting.”
Jerry Silverman, President and CEO of the Jewish Federations of N.h America, said, “Jewish Federations of North America was privileged to join our partnersfor this meeting with Attorney General Sessions. We were very appreciative to hear from the Attorney General who truly cares and won't tolerate hostility and hate.”
