The JCRC welcomes community members to join the JCRC Civil Rights and Public Policy Committee on Monday, March 10 at 12:00 PM CST when we welcome Lead Policy Council for Americans United for Separation of Church and State (Americans United), Nik Nartowicz.

Nartowicz will discuss Americans United, its mission and work, current challenges to religious freedom, and address bills that have been introduced at the state level in Nebraska. All are welcome to attend and submit or ask questions to learn about the ever-changing landscape around the separation of church and state. RSVPs are required to join us on Zoom. Email Pam Monsky, JCRC Assistant Director, at pmonsky@jewishomaha.edu to receive a link to the meeting and to submit questions in advance.

From our colleagues at Civic Nebraska:

On Monday, March 10, the Government Committee of the Nebraska Legislature will consider whether to advance a bill that would dismantle our state’s unique split electoral vote system – one that has made Nebraska more relevant, more competitive, and more reflective of its voters in presidential elections.

We encourage you to contact your senators and share your voice on this unique and important issue to Nebraska voters. Online comments must be submitted by 8:00 AM on March 10 to be included in testimony.

Contact Your Senator | Submit Online Comment

We're pleased to invite you to our 2025 Mayoral Candidate Forums brought to you by JCRC Omaha and B’nai B’rith Bread Breakers. Meet the candidates, ask questions, and weigh in on local issues that matter to you the most.

In addition to the candidates below, an invitation has been extended to Dr. Terry Brewer and we are awaiting his response to participate in our 2025 forum.

If you have any questions, please contact Pam Monsky, JCRC Assistant Director, at pmonsky@jewishomaha.org. If you would like to attend via Zoom, please contact B'nai B'rith Chair, Gary Jatvich, at breadbreakersomaha@gmail.com. 

(In addition to the candidates below, an invitation has been extended to Dr. Terry Brewer and we are awaiting his response to participate in our 2025 forum.)

Mike McDonnell

March 12 | 12:00 PM | Wiesman Room

Mike McDonnell, served as state senator for Omaha’s District 5 before his term expired and he decided to run for mayor. Prior to that, he served in the Omaha Fire Department for 24 years, including six as chief. McDonnell will present his 2025 mayoral platform on March 12. Born and raised in South Omaha, McDonnell is the current president of the Omaha Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. Learn more about his platform at mikeforomaha.com.

Jean Stothert

March 19 | 12:00 PM | Wiesman Room

Mayor Jean Stothert will be present on March 19 to share her current platform and why she should be re-elected in 2025. Stothert has been mayor since 2013 and is the first woman to hold the office. Prior to becoming mayor, she served for 11 years on the Millard Board of Education and represented District 5 on the Omaha City Council. To learn more about Mayor Stothert’s vision for the future, visit jeanstothert.com. 

Jasmine Harris

March 26 | 12:00 PM | Wiesman Room

Jasmine Harris, the director of Public Policy and Advocacy at RISE, will present her platform for her 2025 mayoral campaign. Harris is a founding member and chair of the Nebraska Unity Political Action Committee (NE Unity PAC) and former Civic Engagement Committee chair for the Urban League of Nebraska Young Professionals. Learn more about Jasmine's vision and campaign at voteforjasmine.com.