Shape a New Future-AJC Overview | Page 39

Latino-Jewish Relations

AJC ’ s Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs ( BILLA ) works to deepen the Jewish community ’ s bonds with the countries of Latin America , Spain , and Portugal , as well as with U . S . Latino communities — the largest and youngest minority group in the country . In the U . S ., BILLA inspired the establishment of the Latino-Jewish Congressional Caucus , which drives progress on common issues , including immigration , antisemitism and anti-Latino hate , and foreign policy . BILLA also works to build understanding of the inextricable link between Jews and Israel .

Black-Jewish Relations

AJC has worked for decades to advance Black-Jewish ties and is proud of our historic contributions to the civil rights movement .

With antisemitism and racism on the rise , AJC is working to bolster the vital alliance between the Black , Jewish , and Black-Jewish communities . We helped launch bipartisan congressional caucuses on Black-Jewish relations in both the House of Representatives and the Senate . Our U . S . regional offices partner with local Urban Leagues and NAACPs , along with Black religious leaders and Jews of Color organizations to address issues affecting local communities . We conduct research within the Black community to better understand attitudes towards Jews and Israel , working to renew our shared commitment to equality for decades to come .

Asian American-Jewish Relations

AJC is the only American Jewish organization focused on forging connections in one of the 21 st century ’ s most dynamic regions : the Asia-Pacific . Our AJC Asia Pacific Institute

( API ) cultivates ties with leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to raise awareness about the Jewish people and Israel and advance political alliances , economic links , and dialogue on issues of mutual interest . In the United States , API has a long history of supporting the Asian American and Pacific Islander ( AAPI ) community in addressing historic injustices as well as contemporary hatred . We partner with AAPI leaders and organizations to jointly combat bigotry , scapegoating , and xenophobia — a partnership that has taken on significant importance in the last few years as both antisemitism and anti-Asian hate have spiked .

AJC Project Interchange : Introducing Intergroup Leaders to the Real Israel

Project Interchange ( PI ), an educational institute of AJC , furthers our intergroup work with all communities . In the past five years alone , PI has brought over 500 influential leaders from various faith and ethnic groups to Israel to learn about the country firsthand . Participants return home with a better understanding of Israel ’ s challenges and accomplishments and new opportunities to translate their knowledge into action . PI is instrumental in building empathy , understanding , and cooperation between Jews , Israel , and our diverse allies . In fact , many AJC intergroup coalitions are led by PI alumni .

AJC Builds Intergroup Coalitions That Strengthen the Jewish Community 39