Official Website of the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council

About JCRC

Established by the Indiana Jewish community while the Holocaust was unfolding in Europe, the core of JCRC’s mission is to safeguard Jews here in the U.S., in Israel, and around the world, by combatting antisemitism through relationship-building and education. Since 1942, the JCRC has been the public affairs, interfaith, intergroup. and media relations arm of the organized Jewish community. JCRC works to protect and promote an American society that is just, democratic, and pluralistic. JCRC convenes the Jewish community’s “Common Table” around which representatives from every Jewish agency, synagogue, and organization are welcome and encouraged to sit together to find consensus on issues concerning the Jewish community. We then translate these positions into action with the broader community, public officials, civic leaders, educators, the media, and other faith & ethnic communities by building partnerships. As the interfaith and intergroup relations arm of the Jewish community, we look to build bridges wherever possible, acting in coalition with groups that fight discrimination and advocate for human & civil rights and social & economic justice. JCRC is the official media relations arm of the Indianapolis Jewish community, serving as the primary resource for print, broadcast and online outlets on topics relating to Israel, Judaism and the local community.

We advocate and educate. We cultivate relationships and build strong coalitions. We initiate change.

Government and Domestic Affairs

Government & Domestic Affairs

The JCRC’s Government & Domestic Affairs Committee serves as the bridge between the Jewish community and public policy leaders, particularly elected officials at the local, state and federal levels. For over 30 years, the JCRC has been the consistent and respected voice in the halls of government that communicates the concerns of the Jewish community with integrity. Through our deliberative process, we build consensus on public policy issues and then develop an advocacy strategy on legislation before the Indiana General Assembly. JCRC is proud to serve as the liaison between our public policy leaders and members of Jewish communities throughout the State of Indiana, as we create relationships with elected officials on both sides of the aisle.

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Israel and International Affairs

Israel & International Affairs

JCRC engages with people from diverse backgrounds to build support for a strong U.S. – Israel relationship based on shared values. We support Israel as the Jewish and democratic homeland of the Jewish people. JCRC advocates for a negotiated two-state solution allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live as neighbors in peace, security, and dignity. We educate the community about the complexity of the conflict, and model respectful discourse through our speakers and discussions. JCRC leads our community, and works with allies, to actively counter campaigns to delegitimize Israel. As part of our “Stand Up! Speak Out!” initiative, JCRC offers a prestigious Israel Engagement Fellowship for Jewish teens eager to engage thoughtfully on Israel by delving into the region’s history and contemporary challenges. The JCRC’s Israel Committee researches and compiles a range of articles for our monthly “Israel in Depth” newsletter, and crafts statements or Letters to the Editor as necessary.

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Community Engagement and Intergroup Affairs

Community Engagement & Intergroup Affairs

Coalition building is one of our strengths, and may be the JCRC’s most important task. Our work is grounded in cultivating relationships and seeking partnerships with faith & ethnic communities, human rights & social justice advocates, and civic, education & law enforcement leaders. JCRC is proud to work with community & intergroup partners on issues of shared concern, united by our common pursuit of a just society, and our commitment to standing together in the face of those issues that could divide us, including bigotry, antisemitism, systemic racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and political & religious extremism. The JCRC’s Community Engagement Committee helps members of the Jewish community become stronger allies to members of marginalized or minority groups and movements. Importantly, Community Engagement Committee members not only amplify the Jewish community’s concerns, but also convey the concerns of other groups back into the Jewish community.

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