[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 21, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JEWISH COUNCIL ON URBAN AFFAIRS

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2014

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Jewish 
Council on Urban Affairs, JCUA, on the occasion of its 50th 
Anniversary.
  From its inception in 1964, the enduring mission of JCUA has always 
been to combat poverty, racism, and anti-Semitism, working in 
partnership with Chicago's diverse communities. Guided by the Jewish 
principles of ``tzedek'' (justice) and ``tikkun olam'' (repairing the 
world), JCUA has reached across faith, race, and class to pursue social 
and economic justice for those most affected by poverty and 
discrimination.
  JCUA has been an active and leading voice in Chicago for five 
decades. During that time, JCUA has facilitated the development and 
preservation of thousands of units of affordable housing, advocated for 
public policies that address the root causes of poverty, and educated 
and mobilized a Jewish constituency to create a more just Chicago.
  During JCUA's 50 years of working in Chicago's diverse communities, 
it has also fostered deep relationships and built an understanding and 
trust with the organizations with which they partner. By bringing 
Jewish voices and Jewish participation to their issues--as partners and 
allies--JCUA continues to tackle root causes of injustice to create 
positive systemic change.
  While the specific campaigns, issues, and challenges in Chicago have 
changed, poverty and racism continue as modern day plagues, creating 
enormous obstacles and threatening the humanity of everyone. Today, 
JCUA pursues social and economic justice through issue-based campaigns, 
community investment, and building bridges between the Jewish community 
and communities challenged by poverty and discrimination.
  JCUA's Community Ventures Program provides zero-interest loans to 
spur the creation of affordable housing and economic development 
projects. One loan recently allowed St. Leonard's Ministries to help 
open the doors of Gracie's Cafee in partnership with St. Leonard's 
Ministry, providing jobs and training for formerly incarcerated men and 
women.
  Through ongoing solidarity and partnership with grassroots community 
groups, JCUA demonstrates that effectively addressing the root causes 
of social injustice in partnerships and in coalitions with those 
directly impacted is the most effective way to combat systemic 
oppression.
  JCUA's Jewish Muslim Community Building Initiative, in partnership 
with Muslim groups, continues to build strong bridges between Jewish 
and non-Jewish communities. These relationships help to dissolve 
barriers of potential bigotry and ignorance and to foster a culture of 
genuine understanding and respect.
  And finally, JCUA plants seeds for a better future through its teen 
social justice program, Or Tzedek, engaging youth as active leaders and 
organizers in current social justice campaigns. Or Tzedek provides 
teens with inspiration and the know-how to be powerful and effective 
agents of social change.
  The Jewish Council on Urban Affairs remains as relevant today as it 
was 50 years ago--serving as an essential Jewish voice for social 
justice. I join others in the Chicago area offering my gratitude for 
JCUA's five decades of service.

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