Jews United for Justice and AtOne to gather in support of Affordable Housing in DC

16 Washington-area Rabbis Sign Statement of Support for Affordable Housing Policy, to be presented at Zoning Commission hearing July 25

WASHINGTON, DC.: Jews United for Justice (JUFJ), a ground-breaking Jewish social justice organization focusing on local issues will host a Jewish community gathering as part of its affordable housing campaign, this Monday, July 25^th at 5:30pm. The event, titled "Ma Tovu: Taking Our Message Home," will be co-hosted by the Area Tikkun Olam Network (AtOne), a network of more than 8 DC-area congregation-based social action committees. 25-35 people are expected to attend.

The gathering will be led by Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb, Rabbi of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, vice president of the Washington Board of Rabbis, and one of 16 Washington-area Rabbis to sign a statement in support of a Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning policy for Washington, DC. (Please see the attached statement of support).

The interfaith statement of support was presented to the media on July 20, and will be presented at the first of two DC Zoning Commission hearings, Monday July 25, at 6:30pm.

"The necessity in the Jewish tradition, Islamic tradition, and Christian tradition to support the poor is evident in this mandatory inclusionary zoning policy. We as clergy want to say this is a necessary step," said Rabbi Alana Suskin of Adas Israel Congregation, representing the 43 clergy signatories at a press briefing on July 20.

"This statement demonstrates the wide support of Jewish community leaders for our affordable housing campaign," said Roberta Hantgan, JUFJ board member and affordable housing co-chair. "Rabbis of varied backgrounds and traditions are supporting us enthusiastically, reminding us that our campaign is grounded in the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam - repairing the world."

Founded in 1998, JUFJ seeks to organize a visible Jewish presence and take action in local campaigns for social and economic justice in the Greater Washington, DC area. JUFJ provides an opportunity to weave together Judaism and activism, and creates a community in which members can explore and strengthen their commitments to both.

"Working for tikkun olam starts locally with the repair of our neighborhoods and our city," said JUFJ Director Avi Rosenblit. "Our local policies should reflect our values if we are to build vibrant, healthy communities."

JUFJ is a member of the DC Campaign for a Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Policy, a diverse coalition of local labor unions, affordable housing advocates, social service providers, civic associations, and faith-based organizations. For more information, please visit www.dciz.org