Jews United for Justice

What’s the problem?

Nearly 600,000 Americans here in our nation's capital pay federal taxes, serve on juries, and defend our nation during times of war, but do not have voting representation in either chamber of Congress. The DC Housing Voting Rights Act would give DC a voting member of the House of Representatives. But while it easily passed in the House with a vote of 241-177, it is being blocked by the threat of a filibuster in the Senate.

Why JUFJ?

DC's vibrant Jewish community, despite its strong involvement in civil life, is excluded from the basic American right of voting for its leaders.

Our ancient texts remind us to ask the questions: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?" (Pirkei Avot, 1:14). Representation for the District of Columbia is an issue that directly affects the DC Jewish community, and it is incumbent upon us to take action on our own behalf. In addition, we who are scholars, lawyers, and local leaders have a responsibility to champion this issue on behalf of the entire community. And, just months after a narrow defeat in the Senate, this issue is more timely and urgent than it has ever been.

What is JUFJ doing?

Jews United for Justice is reaching out to synagogues, Hillels, and havurot in teh District of Columbia. Together, we hpe to amplify the Jewish voice calling for the correction of this injustice.

We in DC cannot change this situation by ourselves. We must call upon the broader Jewish community, whose representatives in Congress will be voting on our rights, to come to our support.