FAQs

What is the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York?

JCRC-NY is the voice of and resource network for metropolitan New York’s Jewish community. We represent the Jewish community to governmental officials, other ethnic and religious communities, as well as the news media. We work with local Jewish organizations to build a stronger New York Jewish community. We partner with other area communities and organizations to ensure the continuing vitality of the metropolitan area. See Statements of Community Concerns

When was JCRC-NY started?

JCRC-NY was incorporated as a New York State not-for-profit corporation in 1976.

Where do we work?

JCRC-NY covers the five boroughs of New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester. JCRC-NY has offices in Manhattan and Jericho.

How do we work within the Jewish community?

JCRC-NY works with its member agencies and other Jewish organizations to provide information, counseling, problem solving and concrete assistance in order to meet the emerging and changing needs in our Jewish community’s diverse cultural, ethnic and denominational populations. Member Organizations, Legal Assistance for Jewish Organizations, and Security & Emergency.

How do we build bridges and coalitions with other communities?

JCRC-NY functions throughout the metropolitan area at the local community level encouraging and implementing programs that create coalitions with other ethnic and religious communities to solve issues that are of common concern. These coalitions aim to bring together communities and promote understanding to ensure culturally competent solutions to problems. We have initiated local community coalitions focusing on health services, nonprofit operations and governance, and the special needs of the aging, émigrés, and youth. These working partnerships in turn foster better communication, mutual respect and help unify diverse communities to ensure a better New York for all. InterGroup/Center for Community Leadership

How do we advocate for Israel and worldwide Jewry?

We organize events to mobilize and demonstrate our community’s support of Israel. We educate and inform our own diverse community as well as local, state and national governmental officials and New York’s other ethnic and religious communities about Israel. We provide briefings by Israeli officials and experts and Jewish leaders from other countries to New York communal leaders. We sponsor missions to Israel for political, ethnic, civic and religious leaders and influential opinion makers. We have been hosting the Celebrate Israel Parade since 2011. Israel & International Affairs and Celebrate Israel .

How do we engage governmental officials?

We work directly with:

  • Municipal officials and agencies
  • Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies
  • State legislators and agencies
  • Senators, Members of Congress, federal agencies and the White House

JCRC-NY does not generally lobby on legislation, but rather urges support on issues of concern to the New York Jewish community. We educate and provide information about our communal issues and work to build relationships which benefit the community and also advance an understanding of Israel.
Public Policy and Israel & International Affairs

How are we structured?

JCRC-NY is a New York non-profit corporation with federal tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are an umbrella organization with over 60 member agencies from all segments of New York’s Jewish community. Our Board of Directors reflects our community’s great diversity. The Board sets out policy positions and long-range planning and programming. The JCRC-NY staff is overseen and directed by the Executive Vice President and CEO. Member Organizations, Officers & Directors, and Staff.

How are we funded?

As a proud Partner of the UJA-Federation of New York, JCRC-NY receives a generous annual grant which covers approximately one-third of our operating budget. The balance of the funds come from JCRC-NY’s annual Gala, foundation and corporate grants, some program revenues and individual contributions – including a 100% Board participation. Form 990 (PDF)