Civic Engagement Strengthening Our Community Together
At the Israeli-American Council of Orange County, we believe civic engagement is the cornerstone of a thriving community. It’s not just about showing up, it’s about speaking out, building bridges, and ensuring that every voice is heard in shaping our shared future.
This past month, IAC members celebrated Thanksgiving with Shoreline Church congregants, a beautiful reminder of what happens when communities come together in gratitude and solidarity. Our partnerships with local churches and organizations are more than symbolic; they reflect our commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect. By working side by side, we create spaces where diverse perspectives can meet and where unity becomes stronger than division.
Each month, IAC gathers community by volunteers, Eitanim teen programming, Cafe Tel Aviv Friday get togethers, Cafe Tel Aviv monthly happy hours, Building Bridges Clergy Groups to discuss ideas, challenges, and opportunities. These meetings are open forums where community members can share concerns, propose solutions, and help guide the direction of our work. Whether it’s listening to candidates, exploring new initiatives, or addressing pressing issues, these conversations are vital to ensuring that our community remains active, informed, and empowered.
And now, the stakes are rising. Politics are getting closer to home. Soon, California will elect a new governor. This is the time to listen, speak up and to take action. Civic engagement means not only protecting our rights but also shaping the leadership that will guide our state and our nation. Representatives, local officials, and community leaders are making decisions that affect us all, our participation ensures that Jewish-Israeli-Americans are part of that conversation.
One of our most urgent priorities is combating antisemitism and protecting the rights of Israeli/Jewish Americans. Civic engagement means standing up against prejudice wherever it appears, advocating for justice, and ensuring that our voices are represented in local and national conversations. We know that silence allows discrimination to spread, but action – collective, determined, and consistent, can dismantle it.
Civic engagement is not a spectator sport. It requires participation, energy, and commitment from all of us. That’s why we invite you to:
• Join us at our monthly gatherings to contribute your ideas and perspectives.
• Inform us about the issues that matter most to you and your family.
• Take action by volunteering, advocating, and helping us amplify the values of dignity and equality.
Together, we can ensure that our community is not only protected but also thriving. Civic engagement empowers us to shape policies, influence leaders, and create a culture where Jewish Americans and Israelis feel safe, respected, and celebrated.
The Israeli-American Council of Orange County is committed to working nonstop to build this reality. And we cannot do it alone. We need your voices, your ideas, and your presence. When we act together, we strengthen not only our own community but the broader civic fabric of Orange County.
Let’s continue to engage, to speak out, and to build a future rooted in justice, respect, and unity. With elections on the horizon, now is the time to make our voices heard. Civic engagement is our path forward – and with your involvement, it will be our greatest strength. If you want to be part of this effort, or if you have ideas, connections, or resources to share, we warmly encourage you to contact us. Together, we can ensure that our community’s voice is strong, clear, and impossible to ignore.
Join us. Get involved. Make an impact.
Want to get involved?
You can reach out Krosenberg@israeliamerican.org.
