NCJW 47th NATIONAL CONVENTION MARCH 23 TO 25, 2017

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NCJW 47^th NATIONAL CONVENTION – MARCH 22 – 25, 2017

Over 300 impressive, articulate, passionate women representing 42 sections attended the NCJW 47^th National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Many were long time NCJW members who held leadership positions in their sections.  Others were newer members and/or first time attendees at a NCJW national event. A significant number of enthusiastic women ages 30 to 50 were present. All were eager to learn and share their experiences.

Jane Abraham, Elizabeth Halverstam, Elaine Pollack, and Ruth Seitelman arrived on Wednesday, March 22 and attended special trainings for incoming and outgoing presidents, on State Public Affairs and on strategic planning.  Carole Benson, Sue Kanrich and Bari-Lynne Schwartz joined the convention on Thursday, March 23.  We all attended the Opening Plenary and the Israel Plenary, voted on bylaws and resolutions, and sent postcards to Senators Menendez and Booker urging them to oppose the appointment of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the US Supreme Court. We all loved the showcase of projects from sections across the country. Each of us attended three workshops. Some were skill building (fundraising, membership recruitment and retention, and communication). Others explored social justice issues (anti-Semitism and racism, LGBTQ, and the court system). The trainers were professional, engaging and knowledgeable. Collaboration and coalition building were common themes.

The 47^th National Convention awardees inspired us. The Honorable Phyllis A. Kravitch, the first woman to be appointed a federal judge in the Southwest and the third woman appointed as a U.S. Circuit Judge in the country, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.  LumaMufleh, a Jordanian immigrant, a Muslim of Syrian descent, and a U.S. citizen, received the Hannah G. Solomon Award. Mufleh is the CEO and founder director of Fugees Family, Inc., a non-profit organization that uses the power of soccer, education, and community to empower refugee children to integrate successfully into the United States.

Hillary Rodham Clinton received the Woman Who Dared Award.  NCJW celebrated her four decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, U.S. Senator, U.S. Secretary of State, and presidential candidate.  As the First Lady of Arkansas, she brought NCJW’s HIPPY Program to Arkansas.

Representative John Lewis who has dedicated his life to protecting human rights and securing civil liberties received the Faith and Humanity Award.  His emotional, dynamic speech was the highlight of the convention.  He noted that he has always been “inspired to get into trouble and get in the way, that is the way to get things done,” and urged us to “march more than ever to ensure that among other things we leave this earth cleaner and greener, and to ensure history will be kind to us.”  With a standing ovation, Representative Lewis left the stage dancing to Pharrell’s “Happy” with the attendees.

We all left inspired and energized. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and sift through our material to see what is most relevant, replicable, and appropriate for our Bergen County Section.  We thank Section for the opportunity to attend the 47^th Convention.

READ MORE ABOUT NCJW CONVENTION IN THE MEDIA
Receiving Award, Lewis Celebrates Jewish Women
NCJW Honors 3 Pioneering Women

Visit our convention website at https://convention.ncjw.org/

Hillary Rodham Clinton Accepts Woman Who Dared Award

During our March 24 luncheon, Secretary Clinton accepted the award in a video address to NCJW’s members, supporters, and activists. No woman in our country better exemplifies the true meaning and spirit of a “Woman Who Dared.” Her commitment to improving the lives of women, children and families, and advocating for women’s rights and human rights in the U.S. and around the world is an inspiration to us all.

Click here to watch video

NCJW Bergen County Section delegates arrive in Atlanta for NCJW Convention 2017. “Shaping the future. Leading the way.”
L-R: Elaine Pollack, Elizabeth Halverstam, Sue Kanrich, Ruth Seitelman, Jane Abraham, Bari-Lynne Schwartz, Carole Benson

POSTCARD CAMPAIGN TO OUR SENATORS
“OPPOSE JUDGE GORSUCH TO FILL SUPREME COURT VACANCY”

NCJW delegates vote at Convention Business Plenary.

So proud of you, Bea. You are our inspiration.

Bergen County Section, proud sponsors of Smart Social Advertising Workshop at NCJW Atlanta Convention.

Ghaida Rinawie-Zoabi, Executive Director of مركز انجاز – Injaz Center, shared her incredible story at the Israel Plenary at NCJW’s 47th National Convention. We WILL take responsibility to change our reality. #NCJWCon17

Congrats to Luma Mufleh of Fugees Family, winner of NCJW’s 2017 Hannah G. Solomon Award. Luma, you truly inspire us to take bold action for refugee children and families. #NCJWCon17

Congratulations to Beatrice Kahn as the new NCJW, Inc. President and thank you to Debbie Hoffmann for 3 years of transformative change #ncjwcon17

We were thrilled that Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) accepted the faith and humanity award at the NCJW Awards Gala, on the evening of Saturday, March 25!