|
|
April 29, 2005/Nisan 20 5765, Volume 57, No. 35
Local Republican group forming
BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN
Special to Jewish News
The nation's pre-eminent Jewish Republican organization is taking root in the Valley, and one of its many goals is changing the perception that a majority of Jews believe in Democratic Party philosophies.
The Republican Jewish Coalition, a Washington, D.C.-based political group aiming to articulate and advocate the concerns and issues of Jews to GOP leaders, launched its Arizona chapter last month, attracting more than 30 people to its inaugural meeting.
Amy Laff, one of the local group's organizers, said the RJC's mission is cultivating ties between the Jewish community and the Republican Party.
But despite its name, Laff added, the group is open to all Jews, regardless of party affiliation.
"We're sharing the ideals of the Republican Party (but) we're not turning away people because they're registered Democrats," she said. "If they gravitate toward the ideas of the party, then they're welcome."
David Kahn, another local organizer, said he the RJC because it not only combines his twin passions for Judaism and Republicanism, but he hopes it will provide a more balanced portrayal of the Jewish political spectrum.
"It's often the only voice that's heard from the Jewish community is a very left, liberal, Democratic voice that's historically been a very one-sided story," said Kahn, a vice president and senior financial adviser with Merrill Lynch in Mesa. "We wanted both sides of the table represented."
Matt Brooks, RJC's Washington-based executive director, said the organization is "very excited" about the debut of the Arizona chapter.
"The Phoenix area is one of the fastest-growing Jewish communities in the country," he said. "We're looking forward to engaging the Jewish community, and ... becoming a very successful and vibrant presence there."
Brooks said the RJC not only seeks to connect with members of the Jewish community who support Republican ideals and policies, but also to engage them in a series of "conversations" on such issues as Middle Eastern affairs and education.
He added that the 37 RJC chapters located across the country, in cities from New York to Los Angeles, hosted more than 300 separate events in 2004, with guest speakers ranging from theologians to politicians receiving an opportunity to "reach out to the Republican Jewish community."
Laff said that interest level in the Arizona has "far exceeded" organizers' expectations, and she feels there is enough support for the group to thrive.
"We're seeing people come out of the woodwork, people that I had no idea were Republicans," she said. "If you look in the JCC parking lot, you'll see both Democratic and Republican bumper stickers."
Meetings will be held approximately every month, and a major kickoff event is planned for fall.
Annual membership dues in the Arizona chapter are $50.
An organizational meeting will be held at noon on Tuesday, May 3, at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
Larry Greenfield, director of the RJC's Southern California chapter, will speak at the two-hour event on the topic, "The Growing Movement of Jewish Republicans and the GOP: Party of Liberty."
A kosher lunch will be available for purchase at the meeting. To attend, call 480-575-9063 or e-mail ahlaff@cox.net.
Benjamin Leatherman is a freelance writer based in Tempe.
|
|
