More than 65 Jewish Organizations Urge U.S. Senate to Pass the Freedom to Vote Act
October 18, 2021
Contact: Karin Venegas, karin@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7049
Lynsey Billet, lynsey@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-8449
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, more than 65 Jewish organizations sent a strong message to members of the U.S. Senate, urging that they let nothing stand in the way of the swift passage of the Freedom to Vote Act (S 2747). The sign-on letter was initiated by National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and the Workers Circle, two national Jewish social justice nonprofits. Signatories include the ADL (Anti-Defamation League), T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Union of Reform Judaism, and others. The sign-on letter reads, in part:
Voting rights are under attack and as Jews, we cannot remain idle. Our tradition exhorts us to pursue justice, tzedek, tzedek tirdof. Passing this bill will enhance integrity, fairness, and transparency in our nation’s elections, and allow us to create a democracy that values all voices.
Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle, said, “The true test of our democracy is whether every citizen has the freedom to vote. The Freedom to Vote Act will set national standards to ensure that every American has the ability to cast their vote freely and have it counted. Importantly, this bill has the power to stop state voter suppression laws in their tracks and correct partisan, racial gerrymandering. Jewish tradition teaches that we must not stand idly by when we see injustice; we must act. Senator Schumer has scheduled an initial vote on the Freedom to Vote Act this Wednesday. The Workers Circle urges all senators to not let the filibuster stand in the way of swiftly passing this critical bill that will protect the very foundation of our democracy.”
“In 2021 alone, 19 states have enacted 33 laws making it harder for people to vote — primarily people of color, individuals with disabilities, low-income voters, and those who are already disempowered in our society. The Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act are essential to ensuring that every eligible person can cast a ballot and have their vote counted,” said National Council of Jewish Women CEO Sheila Katz. “National Council of Jewish Women urges the Senate not to let any procedural barriers stand in the way of meaningful and transformational democracy reform. Our democracy works best when we all can participate.”
To read the sign-on letter and list of signatories, click here .
About the Workers Circle
Founded more than 120 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org.
About National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)
National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 200,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights and justice; and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.