Jewish Community Relations Council
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is the leading advocate for the Greater Orlando Jewish community, engaging in important public policy discussions and ensuring that our voices are amplified. We are one of 125 JCRCs in the nation.
An Important Message from Eric J. Trabin
Chair, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Orlando
Dear friends and families,
As summer draws to a close, a new school year is just around the corner. While all families share the excitement – and the concerns – that come with returning to school, Jewish families can face an additional challenge: exams, performances, dances, and other important school events that are scheduled on major Jewish holidays.
These conflicts are often the result of oversight rather than malice, and they can frequently be prevented with early communication.
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Orlando has already written to the school boards in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties, providing the dates of the High Holidays and Passover and encouraging schools to avoid scheduling exams or major school events, such as prom, on those dates.
We also encourage every family to reach out directly to their children's schools. Parents have a powerful voice. A brief email or letter to your school's administration before calendars are finalized can make a real difference. Simply sharing the dates of the upcoming Jewish holidays and asking that major exams and school functions be scheduled around them helps schools better serve all students.
By working together and communicating early, we can help ensure that Jewish students are not forced to choose between participating fully in school and observing their faith. A few minutes of advocacy today can help create a more inclusive school year for our entire community.
The Israel Advocacy Toolbox
In the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israel in 2023 and the war to free the hostages, anti-Israel sentiment is at a dangerous high. JCRC’s Israel Advocacy Toolbox is a valuable resource to help address and push back against antisemitic language and false perceptions that are receiving disproportionate exposure in the media and public discourse.
JCRC In the News
Our Impact
Combating Antisemitism, Jew Hate, and Anti-Zionism
The JCRC of Greater Orlando advocates for the rights of all Jews, by monitoring and responding to antisemitic activity.
We hold individuals, institutions, and communities accountable for antisemitic incidents by working with them to take necessary steps to counter bigotry against Jews.
We provide support and guidance to individuals experiencing acts of antisemitism and Jew hatred.
Participating in Legislative Policy
The JCRC acts as the eyes, ears, and voice of the Jewish community, mobilizing on legislative issues that directly impact the Jewish community.
Working with elected officials at all levels of government.
Advocating for inclusivity of Jewish holidays in the school system.
Introducing the Jewish community to relevant legislative issues in a nonpartisan manner with the goal of educating voters and increasing familiarity with issues that affect the Jewish community.
Advocating for Israel
The JCRC works to increase knowledge and support for Israel in the community-at-large by:
Countering anti-Israel measures in civic, academic, and religious settings, and advocating for Israel with elected officials.
Facilitating educational opportunities and engaging in civil and thoughtful conversations about Israel.
Building Civic & Community Partnerships
We address common community concerns that directly affect the Jewish community with intercultural, interfaith, and community groups.
Building allies and partners to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding between the groups.
Engaging in meaningful intergroup/intercultural relations through active dialogue with our community neighbors and organizations.