Jews for a Secular Democracy Blog - Jews for a Secular Democracy

Christian Nationalism, Antisemitism and Religious Freedom

The threat of Christian Nationalism to religious freedom—the intersection of Christian nationalism with antisemitism and the violation of the principles of religious freedom AND the impact on Jewish women and Jews of other marginalized genders in Pittsburgh.

State Legislators on Combating White Christian Nationalism in State Policy

09 Jul 2024

JFASD

Events, Florida, Pennsylvania, Secular Democracy, Uncategorized, Webinars and Podcasts, White Christian Nationalism

Many of our critical civil rights—from abortion and discrimination protections, to access to public education and voting rights, fall to state governments. In this webinar, you’ll hear directly from Jewish legislators who are on the frontlines battling white Christian nationalists in their respective legislatures, and how they are fighting for secular democracy. In this timely webinar, join state legislators Louisiana State Representative Mandie Landry and Pennsylvania State Representative Dan Frankel as they share their experiences and insights into the growing influence of white Christian...

Florida’s Fight 4 Repro Rights!

12 Jun 2024

JFASD

Events, Florida, Reproductive Rights, Webinars and Podcasts

Our “Fighting 4 Religious Freedom: Florida’s Fight 4 Repro Rights!” webinar focused on the intersection of religious freedom, reproductive rights and Amendment 4 in Florida. Moderated by Denise Lettau JD, of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Broward County, this important event features panelists Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani, Laura Rodriguez from NCJW/Greater Miami, and Lauren Brenzel, Campaign Director of Floridians Protecting Freedom. As part of our “Jewish Women and Religious Freedom In Florida” project, this webinar aims to inspire...

Religious Freedom, Repro Rights, and Public Policy: Connecting the Dots in Pittsburgh

10 Jun 2024

JFASD

Events, Pennsylvania, Reproductive Rights, Webinars and Podcasts

In this inaugural webinar of our “Jewish Women and Religious Freedom in Pittsburgh” project, our esteemed panelists illuminate the intricate relationship between religious freedom and reproductive freedom, with a particular focus on how this impacts Jewish women and those of other marginalized genders. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to understand the complexities and interconnectivity of these issues. Through the gripping personal story of Alliyson Feldmann and in-depth knowledge of our Professor Greer Donley, Professor Rachel Kranson, and Rabbi...

Jewish News AZ: “‘Nerding out’ on elections with Jews for a Secular Democracy”

07 Jun 2024

JFASD

Arizona, Media, News and Press

“Wrapping up an online discussion focused on informing the public about election processes and how to overcome election skepticism, Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly reminded viewers that “elections are administered by your friends and family and neighbors, real people following protocols and law, doing our very best to make voting as easy and accessible as possible so people can participate in one of our most fundamental rights as Americans.” It was a salient point to make after the hourlong, detailed...

Election Integrity: Ensuring Trust at the Local Level

04 Jun 2024

JFASD

Events, Florida, Voter Suppression, Webinars and Podcasts

This informative webinar helped us better understand how election officials in key battleground states are working tirelessly to uphold the integrity of our democracy. We heard from three local election officials: Oakland County (MI) Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown, Pima County (AZ) Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, and Broward County (FL) Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott. They provided an in-depth exploration of the measures in place to ensure that elections are safe, secure, and well-managed. From debunking rumors of election interference to...

National Director Katie Reiter, Michigan Director Nomi Joyrich, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Executive Director Paul Golin

Religious Freedom Isn’t Free – Michigan Event Recap

15 May 2024

Nomi Joyrich

Events, Media, Michigan, News and Press, Webinars and Podcasts

Our first annual Michigan Jews for a Secular Democracy fundraiser on Sunday, May 9, was amazing—see photos below! We had a full house at Krishna, a vegetarian Indian restaurant. The food was delicious and the conversations even better. Our sponsors and attendees included volunteer leaders and elected officials at nearly every level of government: School Board members, city clerks and treasurers, mayors, county commissioners, a county clerk, a county treasurer, several state Representatives and state Senators, and a congresswoman. The...

“But You Don’t Look Jewish”: Unpacking and Addressing Unconscious Bias

09 Apr 2024

JFASD

Events, Judaism, Webinars and Podcasts

How can we become better advocates and allies for Jewish diversity and LGBTQ+ equality? As we fight against religious fundamentalists trying to weaponize our government to remove rights from those we love, we must first explore and address our own unconscious biases. Please join us on April 10th to learn more. As part of JFASD’s “Religious Freedom and Jewish Women in Florida” project, this enlightening workshop will delve into the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Jews of Color, illuminating their unique narratives within...

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