NCJW Weekly Advocacy Wrap-Up: September 3

Wednesday night, our worst fears were confirmed. In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition against Texas law SB 8. 

This means Roe v. Wade is no longer the law of the land in Texas. More states could be next.

And if that isn’t scary enough, the Supreme Court is hearing Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization this fall which could overturn Roe v. Wade.

National Council of Jewish Women is the only Jewish organization focused on reproductive health, rights, and justice. We will not stand idly by while the most vulnerable women, children, and families are put in harm’s way. Our Jewish values demand that we act today.


What are we doing about it?

We are writing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court to highlight the threat to our religious freedom if Roe is overturned. We are organizing to pass critical legislation that would reverse the law in Texas. We are educating and mobilizing our base of over 200,000 advocates to fight back.

Act with us


Contribute to organizations working to protect abortion access for Texans, such as:


Thank you to our Texas leaders for all you’re doing on the ground! You can see photos of NCJW Austin speaking out at the Capitol on NCJWAction Facebook Group and featured in this New York Times article.
HIAS continues to prepare for the arrival of Afghan refugees, but the lack of a clear roadmap has been challenging. “There is no process,” Mark Hetfield, President and CEO, told CNN’s Bianna Golodryga (a former HIAS client herself) when asked how Afghans would be resettled in the U.S. Watch the interview.

Watch, Listen, and Learn:

Public Briefing: The Crisis in Afghanistan – HIAS staff have traveled to U.S. military bases to help process Afghans who made it out of Kabul, and HIAS affiliates across the country are getting ready to receive or are already receiving Afghan refugees and ramping up their services. Listen to Mark Hetfield, Raphael Marcus, and Yalda Afif discuss the crisis in Afghanistan and what to expect as evacuees arrive in the U.S.

The Future of Afghan Refugee Resettlement – Yalda Afif, who fled Afghanistan herself 10 years ago, spoke with WNYC Radio’s Brian Lehrer about what HIAS is doing to prepare for the arrival of Afghan refugees in New York and how the community can help (spoiler alert: housing).

200+ Jewish Groups Call for Special Afghan Envoy – Led by HIAS, a broad coalition of more than 200 Jewish community organizations and congregations signed a letter calling on the Biden administration to appoint a special envoy to lead the Afghanistan humanitarian response for Afghan refugees.

“Our Work is Far From Done” – In an op-ed for the Forward, Mark Hetfield explains how difficult it will be to help Afghan refugees but how history compels us to do just that.

Get Involved:

HIAS' Afghan refugee resource guide is updated regularly with the latest information. Check out the many different ways you can help Afghans.

Tell President Biden: Although the last American troops have left, the U.S. must help Afghans who are facing imminent danger. Sign our petition today.

  • NCJW Greater Long Beach & West Orange County is working on ways for you to help locally. Stay tuned.
NCJW Update on the Upcoming Recall Election

The recall election is a tool for voters to remove an elected local or state office-holder before his or her term ends. Your vote is important whether you want to RETAIN or REMOVE the sitting Governor. This may be a very close race which means each vote can make the difference. PLEASE EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE.
 
By now you should have received your California Voter Information Guide, sample ballot (magazine like) AND YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT (LA co. white envelope, OC has a strip of orange on sealed side.) These were mailed out as of August 16. 2021.
    
If you are not sure that you are registered check your voter registration status online at https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/
 
Here’s your recall deadline schedule, per the Secretary of State’s Office:

  • Mail in Voting is NOW OPEN      
  •  Aug. 31-Sep 14: Conditional voter registration (for people who missed their registration deadlines or who need to update their voter registration; your vote will be counted after your registration is fully processed).  
  • Sept. 4: Early in person voting period at any Vote Center in your County 
  • Sept. 14: ELECTION DAY - Your ballot must be postmarked by this date 
  • Sept. 21: Your ballot must be received by your county registrar of voters by this date.
 

ONLY TWO QUESTIONS ARE ON YOUR BALLOT: 

Question 1. Should Governor Newsom be recalled (removed from office)? Yes or No?
Question 2. If the Governor is recalled (there are more Yes votes), who should replace him?
 You can vote on Question 1, Question 2 or both

YOU MAY MAIL IN YOUR BALLOT (NO POSTAGE NECESSARY)
YOU MAY PLACE YOUR BALLOT IN ANY YELLOW DROP OFF BOX
YOU MAY SIGN THE ENVELOPE & ASK A FRIEND TO DROP IT OFF
YOU MAY COME TO ANY POLLING PLACE IN YOUR COUNTY AND VOTE.
 
It’s your VOTE          Make it COUNT

Two great presentations on critical issues impacting our communities

Click here to register

New Hannah G Solomon Book - discount code available for NCJW

Author and San Francisco Section leader, Bonnie Lindauer, published a new children's book Hannah G. Solomon Dared to Make a Difference. She hopes that younger generations will be inspired by the life of NCJW's founder and will be encouraged to join and support NCJW.

Bonnie and her publisher are offering NCJW members a 25% off discount coupon code on the website www.karben.com/hannahgsolomon with discount code “NCJW.”