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September 10, 2021

What's On Our Mind ...


Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. The memories of that day still fill us up with horror, disbelief, and sadness.


An ever-growing number of Americans have no personal memory of that day. They were either too young or not yet born. However, they are living in a world defined by that tragic moment, from how they travel through airports to the war in Afghanistan.


The moment the Twin Towers collapsed, our political differences did as well. The country — and Congress — came together. We were all grief-stricken Americans, one family. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long. Shortly thereafter, the cultural, ideological, and political schisms re-emerged. 


Muslim Americans experienced a significant rise in violence and discrimination - blamed for the attacks and viewed with suspicion because of their religion. In 2000, there were just 28 recorded hate crimes against Muslim Americans. The following year crimes shot up to 481 cases. Islamophobia has continued to rise, fueled by the anti-immigrant Donald Trump, whose first act in office was to attempt to implement a "Muslim ban.”


In 2000, our common enemy was Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network. Today it’s COVID-19. In both cases our first reaction as a country was “we're all in this together,” a national spirit focused on how to halt a disease that claimed more lives than those who perished on 9/11. But that, too, fell victim to political animus and hostility, causing an exponential rise in antisemitism and hate crimes


Crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders increased dramatically during the pandemic, spurred on by vile political speech and slurs. Online conspiracy theories have blamed the Jews for spreading the virus to gain global control and have ultimately led to a breakdown of communal dialogue over something as simple as mask-wearing or getting a vaccine to protect our friends and families.


Our history has proven that in dark, tragic moments, Washington can stand together. But our nation needs to sustain that camaraderie and cooperation beyond a single moment; it should be the norm. We must work to be the best of ourselves for the sake of our democracy, to honor the memory of all the 9/11 victims, and for our children’s future. On this anniversary and on the days that follow, it must always be country over politics.

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Upcoming Events

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September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

Saturday, September 11


Volunteer in tribute to those killed and injured on 9-11-2001, as well as those who serve to defend the nation's freedom at home and around the globe. President Biden is calling on us to take action saying, "Service is a fitting way to start to heal, unite, and rebuild this country we love."


Click to find opportunities near you

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Less than 100 Days 'til the elections in Virginia & New Jersey!


With voter suppression laws being passed across the country, we need first-time voters from 2020 to show up now more than ever. Order your postcards to voters in these key swing states today.


Order your postcards

Special Event for JAC Members

Save the Date

Conversation with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5)

Thursday, October 7

Details to follow

Instagram of the Week

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September 10, 2021 JAC honors the fallen from that fateful day in 2001.


May their memories be for a blessing.


See what else we're doing. Follow us on social media.

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In the News

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ISRAEL


Senior officials in the Biden administration have privately pressed the Palestinian Authority to walk back its effort to have Israel tried for war crimes at the ICC. Here's why Israel’s transfer to U.S. Central Command could help deter Iran. From the Abraham Accords to China, Israel's new Prime Minister has his work cut out for him,

ANTISEMITISM AND BDS


The Taliban, Pakistan, and Malaysia refuse relations with Israel. Singling out the Jewish state is more than implied antisemitism. Just like the Black Death and other plagues, as Covid spreads, so does antisemitism in Europe. A small Montana town silenced a Neo-Nazi campaign. Their counteroffensive could hold lessons for others in an era of disinformation and intimidation.

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CHOICE


There are so many questions about the Texas abortion bill — get some answers here. After their victory in Texas, anti-choice activists may target restrictions on contraception access or in vitro fertilization options next. The House will vote on a national abortion rights bill that would establish the legal right to abortion and prevent states from putting medically unnecessary restrictions in the way.

RELIGION AND STATE


A new report finds that half of LGBTQ+ workers have faced employment discrimination — nearly 1 in 10 in the past year. Evangelical pastors are secretly spreading the 'gospel of QAnon' on YouTube, reinforcing conspiracy theories without ever mentioning "QAnon." It's time to question the detrimental role of religion in the Supreme Court's decision-making.

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BEYOND THE CORE



We reflect on three goals since 9-11: weakening extremists, planning in Afghanistan, and pivoting the CIA's focus. The U.S. just had its hottest summer ever, tying with the 'Dust Bowl' of 1936, as climate change causes extreme heat events to be ever more common and severe. The Senate has only confirmed one ATF director in the 15 years of the position — that number will not grow anytime soon.

POLITICAL BYTE


Texas Democrats are angry and motivated after the passage of a slew of new far-right legislation passed — but how will they translate that anger into electoral wins? That same legislation could boost Democratic turnout in 2022. Social media meme accounts run by teens, and paid for by notable GOPs, are rife with disinformation and have become shadowy advertising tools for Trump.

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FYI



The Jewish population worldwide has reached 15.2 million — up 100,000 in the past year. RBG's rabbi pens a powerful note, calling on us to fight for reproductive rights and affirm the Justice's legacy. Jewish community public records from before the Holocaust have been saved from the auction block.

The Last Word

“The scourge of antisemitism remains all too present today. We have to, and will, condemn this prejudice at every turn alongside other forms of hate.”


-President Biden, addressing rabbis and Jewish leaders during the annual High Holiday call

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Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC) is a pro-Israel PAC with a domestic agenda. We support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and advocate for reproductive health and the separation of religion and state and incorporate other issues of importance to the Jewish community, including gun violence prevention and climate change. In addition to providing financial support for U.S. Senate and House campaigns, JACPAC educates our membership with outreach events designed to inform and activate their participation in the political process.

Paid for by Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs. Contributions or gifts are not tax deductible. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle. Corporate contributions and contributions from non-US citizens who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence are prohibited. All contributions by individuals must be made from personal funds and may not be reimbursed or paid by another person.