We are a non-profit social justice organization of people who believe that the connection between the Jewish and labor communities is important to the well-being and forward movement of both communities and to the broader society as well. Whether we are teachers, rabbis, service workers, accountants, business people, administrators, carpenters, or attorneys—we are part of the fabric of a society of working people.

The New England Jewish Labor Committee (NEJLC) announces a Massachusetts initiative to learn more about concerns of antisemitism among Jewish teachers, to aggregate that data and then to offer this information to the Jewish community and to the MTA and the BTU, the bargaining agents of these workers. It does so with the goal of identifying and reducing antisemitism within the public school system and all related constituencies. 

The Jewish Labor Committee (and the NEJLC) is the voice of the Jewish community in the labor movement and the voice of the labor movement in the Jewish community. The JLC strives to enable the Jewish community and the trade union movement to work together on important issues of shared interest and concern, in pursuit of their shared commitment to economic and social justice.

The NEJLC recognizes that issues arising these days regarding Anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism and Israel/Gaza are complicated, multi-layered, and that there are strong and differing opinions, beliefs and interests.  It hopes to make a safe space for the voices of Jewish teachers and others on these issues so they can be heard.  

NEJLC believes it is uniquely qualified to undertake this project as it is the only organization to serve as a bridge between the Jewish and labor communities. Further, the NEJLC is fully committed to working with union members and through their labor organizations to address difficult issues while preserving and supporting the collective bargaining and representation relationships. 

As a first step, the NEJLC has established an email address on its website, teachers@nejlc.com to which Jewish teachers as well as other interested parties can voice their concerns. The emails will be read and processed by Joanne Goldstein, former Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development in the Patrick Administration and currently a board member of the NEJLC. To the extent possible, all emails will be verified. The names and nature of the emails will remain confidential, unless the writer specifically authorizes the NEJLC to disseminate the identifying features of their emails. If not, the information provided in the emails will be aggregated and forwarded to the MTA, BTU, JCRC and the AJC and potentially other interested people or entities.

NEJLC undertakes this project without any preconceived conclusions and will report the data in neutral, factual terms without editorializing.

NEJLC will consider whether further actions will be warranted after determining the value of and interest in this matter. 

For additional information or clarification please send inquiries to the above listed email or call the NEJLC office at 781 346-9782.

We are excited to announce our 24th annual Labor Seder, to be held on Sunday, April 7th at Temple Israel of Boston!

Tisha B’Av Memorial for workers who died of covid-19

On Tisha B’Av, a Jewish Day of mourning, the Jewish Labor Committee took time to honor those workers who have died from COVID-19 with a moving memorial.