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The JCRC Public Policy & Civil Rights Committee is committed to keeping you informed on the bills and issues that we are watching during this Legislative session and beyond.
If you have any questions about bills and issues, want to learn more about the process of participating in grassroots advocacy, or would like assistance crafting letters or testimonies, JCRC staff is here to help!
To view the bills JCRC is monitoring, click here.
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We want to take a moment to wish all of the moms who subscribe to our newsletter a happy Mother's Day! We hope you have a wonderful weekend!
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Learn about Open Sky Institute
May 12, 12:00 PM
Tiffany Friesen Milone, Deputy Director of OpenSky will join the next JCRC Public Policy Committee meeting to talk about their work analyzing data to help lawmakers and citizens in adopting sound policy in Nebraska. The meeting is May 12 at noon in person at the JCC, or via Zoom.
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Vote on or before May 13th!
Omaha city elections are next Tuesday, May 13th. Make a plan to vote, understand your ballot, and access election day resources from our colleagues at Women's Fund of Omaha below.
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Jewish American History Month Proclamation
May 15, 1:45 PM
Join Governor Jim Pillen and members of Nebraska's Jewish community as he signs the Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation for the State of Nebraska. Please join us in the Eisenberg Gallery of the Staenberg Omaha JCC to celebrate!
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Pride 2025 | July 12, 2025
Join JCRC Omaha on July 12 for Omaha's annual Pride Parade! Celebrate the diversity of our Jewish community by joining us as we walk the parade route- more details coming soon. If you would like to assist with this event, please contact
Pam Monsky.
| | Making an Impact: UNO Statement | | |
The Jewish Community Relations Council extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who added their name to our letter addressed to the Nebraska Chancellors. We are proud to share that we received an incredible 2,451 submissions.
That’s 2,451 individuals who stood up, spoke out, and made it clear that antisemitism has no place in our communities or on our campuses.
Each signature represents a powerful voice—one that demands accountability, promotes education, and stands in solidarity with Jewish students, faculty, and families. Your participation sends a resounding message: we will not be silent in the face of hate.
Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive Nebraska—one where all people can live, learn, and lead free from fear and discrimination.
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Proposal aimed at getting more religion in Nebraska schools sidetracks Ed Committee
The Jewish community, along with other faith partners in Nebraska should be informed and concerned about efforts to blur the line that separates religion and government. Efforts by Nebraska lawmakers, supported by populist right Christian groups like America First Legal, Moms for Liberty, LifeWise, and National Association of Christian Lawmakers are attempting and succeeding in some states in "...reinstalling Bible education for the public school system across the nation,” according to Joel Penton, the founder of LifeWise.
Read more from the Nebraska Examiner
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Mark Brannen, a political independent and first time candidate, is challenging Pete Festersen, a Democrat and the current City Council president.
Read more from Omaha World Herald
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An Update from Catalyst Public Affairs
The Nebraska Legislature made significant progress this week, primarily focused on addressing the state's budget shortfall exceeding $260 million.
Read more from Catalyst
| | Friends & Advocates Campaign | |
Donate to the JCRC Omaha 2025 Campaign
With your support, the JCRC will continue to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and tolerant society—one that stands firm against hatred, discrimination, and injustice.
Thank you for your support in making this work possible. Your contribution truly makes a difference, not just today, but for generations to come.
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If you didn't have the chance to attend our 2025 Tapestry event, you can view a recording of the event below!
Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer
The Moral, The Political, and The Partisan: Jewish Community in a Partisan Age
Proudly co-sponsored by the JCRC and Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation
As partisan politics continues to shape American public discourse, the Jewish community struggles to define the commitments we are meant to share with each other and to find ways to hold together across difference. How can we identify the kinds of ideas and ideals that should transcend what divides us? And how might we imagine Jewish community in a divided America?
| | If you know someone who would like to stay up to date with our work and legislative newsletter, please forward this email so they can subscribe! | | Guided by Jewish values, the nonpartisan Jewish Community Relations Council works in common cause with other religious, racial, ethnic, and civic groups to foster a just, democratic, and pluralistic society. The JCRC advocates, educates, collaborates, and mobilizes action on issues important to the Jewish Community and greater community to fight antisemitism and hate in all its forms and promote the security of Israel and Jews everywhere. | | | | |
