I am writing with some personal news. After three and a half years with the New England Jewish Labor Committee, I have decided that this is the right time to move on from the NEJLC. This was a difficult decision for me, and I am incredibly grateful to have had the honor to serve the Jewish and labor communities in the fight for economic justice.
I am making this announcement now in order to give the NEJLC adequate time to select its next Executive Director, and we will update you about a timeline for this transition.
When I started at the NEJLC we lived in an entirely different world: the COVID-19 pandemic had not shaken our economy and killed over one million Americans. I am proud to have successfully stewarded the NEJLC through this crisis. We were part of the MA COVID Response Alliance, and pushed to ensure that Massachusetts workers would have emergency paid sick leave. We fought together for One Fair Wage – getting the bill out of committee for the very first time to bring wage justice for tipped workers. And we had successful, if virtual, Labor Seders, honoring leaders in the Jewish and labor communities.
And critically, the Fair Share Amendment passed and won at the ballot box just on Election Day.
None of this would have been possible without you, all of our supporters, and the great efforts of our Board and volunteers. I want to thank you, and especially the Board Co-Chairs Ora Gladstone and Ashley Adams, for the incredible work you do for the Jewish Labor Committee.
Today, we face rising antisemitism, ever increasing pressure on workers, and growing inequality. The work is far from over. I look forward to continuing the fight with you and seeing where the next Executive Director takes the NEJLC.
In Solidarity,
Ari