March 2019 Newsletter
JCRC HERE & NOW
JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council) serves as an advocate for the issues our Jewish community cares about most. The topic on our minds this month is the Israeli 2019 elections . We are sharing this Here & Now Newsletter on the elections to provide resources on the Israeli electoral system which is unbelievably complicated. The elections process and results have an impact on the American Jewish community, so we hope you will stay informed!
Our favorite elections resource: Israel Policy Forum
However you like to engage, there are options--analysis, videos, podcasts, polling data. Check it out!

NEW CENTRIST PARTY: BLUE & WHITE
Many centrist parties have come and gone in Israel. This new one is called Kachol Lavan, or Blue & White, and was formed by 3 former IDF Generals, Benny Gantz, Moshe Ya'alon, and Gabi Ashkenazi, along with Yair Lapid, former journalist.
Check out this Washington Post article for more information.
Broad Reaction to Otzma Yehudit merger
Labor MK Stav Shaffir has submitted a petition to the Central Elections Committee to stop Otzma Yehudit Party from running. Read more in YNET.

The new merger of Bayit Yehudi or "Jewish Home" and the Otzma Yehudit or "Jewish Power" parties to run on a joint list is profoundly concerning to American Jews across the spectrum. Otzma Yehudit grew out of the Kach party founded by Meir Kahane, who espoused racist, extremist and violent views. Nationally, JCPA, AIPAC, AJC, ADL, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and others have all spoken out against a hate group becoming part of a coalition government.

Our JCRC joins with many other JCRCs in calling on the Prime Minister to denounce Otzma Yehudit's racism in no uncertain terms. Read these statements from SF JCRC, Boston JCRC, Washington JCRC.

The Jewish News of Northern California carried a reflection by Doug Kahn, former SF JCRC Executive Director, explaining how a potential coalition that includes Otzma Yehudit will make bi-partisan, broad-based American support for Israel very difficult.
Visit the JCRC page of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley's website for updated information on the elections.


The JCRC Here & Now Newsletter is a publication of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. This newsletter provides timely information that is essential to the strengthening of the broad tent of Jewish life. Topics addressed will also aspire to enrich our coalitions of diverse religious, ethnic, racial and interest groups with which we share the Valley.
Jewish Community Relations Council | (408)357-7504 |diane@jvalley.org| www.jvalley.org/jcrc