AJC/LA builds bridges with our inter-group partners on issues of common interest such as education, immigration, transportation, social services, and prison/jail conditions. AJC/LA promotes better race and ethnic relations in Los Angeles and the region by establishing new and maintaining long-existing relationships with Latino, Asian & Pacific Islander, African-American and other ethnic community leaders.

Saundra Mandel
Associate Director

Get Involved

Contact Saundra Mandel at mandels@ajc.org to get involved!

The Hispanic-Jewish Women’s Task Force enjoyed home made dishes including latkes and tamales, flamenco dancing by member Sarah Vasquez, and a hot game of dreidle conducted by member Candice Stein at the thirteenth annual Holiday Party. Held at the home of Judith and Arthur Hirshberg on December 5th, the Task Force fosters open communication and dialogue between Hispanic and Jewish women in the San Fernando Valley. They share knowledge and skills in order to address the social concerns and needs that impact individuals, families and communities. 

Catholic Jewish Women Dialogue

33rd Annual Catholic Jewish Women's Conference a Success

Speakers Rabbi Denise Eger, President of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, and Msrg. Royale Vadikan.

On November 11^th, the 33^rd Catholic-Jewish Women’s Conference was held at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels. Following greetings from Msrg. Royale Vadikan, who conceived the original event with Rabbi Alfred Wolf (of blessed memory), and Rabbi Denise Eger, President of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, the audience of almost 150 women were treated to a program of wonderful, energetic music offered by Chazzan Mike Stein of Temple Aliyah and Cantor John Balducci of St. Bernardine of Siena Church. 
Keynote speakers Dvora E. Weisberg, Ph.D., and Laurie Wright-Garry, Ph.D., addressed “Scripture and Tradition: Battleground or Common Ground”, in a scholarly and humorous way. They also entertained thoughtful questions from the audience.   The afternoon’s dialogue groups were warm, thoughtful and deeply personal. The day’s traditional closing friendship circle provided closure to a very spiritual and warm event.

AJC's Rome Representative Visits LA

AJC Latino Jewish Policy Forum Presents an Analysis of AB 1381

LAUSD General Counsel Kevin Reed articulates a point as Mayor Villaraigosa Policy Analyst's Erin Walsh looks on.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa proposal to significantly change the structure and oversight of the Los Angeles Unified School District has created a lot of discussion and controversy in the community. In an effort to understand the issue better the AJC Latino Jewish Policy Forum organized a meeting entitled ‘Which Way, LAUSD?’ to discuss the Mayor’s proposal, Assembly Bill 1381, on August 10th. The panel was moderated by Professor of Political Science at Cal State Fullerton Dr. Raphael Sonenshein, and panelists were Kevin Reed, General Counsel for LAUSD, and Erin Walsh, Policy Analyst for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Over 40 attendees asked probing questions of the panelists to get at the core issues of governance, oversight, collective bargaining, performance in the school system, and many other issues.

 AJC Hosts Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent David L. Brewer

The Los Angeles Chapter Latino Jewish Policy Forum hosted the Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent David L. Brewer on April 19, 2007. Attendees included a broad group of people representing Jewish and Latino community organizations and elected officials. Brewer, a former military Admiral, was recently hired to run the country’s second largest school district. Brewer spoke about his intentions to reform the district based on an independent evaluation identifying the areas for change. Brewer talked about his priorities for the district: innovating to create a 21st century education, ensuring that students are college prepared and career ready, sharing responsibility with teachers, parents, and the community, and providing school safety. Many expressed concern about the growing gang problem, particularly in the Latino community, and Brewer assured the group that providing outlets for students to stay out of gangs, particularly for young boys, was a top priority. He also answered concerns that the bureaucracy needs to be streamlined, noting that these changes do not happen overnight and the community needs to work with him to make sure these reforms are realized.