According to the local experts and nature guides, this year they are witnessing a vast increase in the number of salmon, as compared to previous years.

Salmons’ ability to successfully navigate to their destination is quite fascinating. There are numerous reasons for this accomplishment, but according to a few studies, swimming together in a group is crucial to the process. If a few get lost, off track, or are unsure about their future, they work together or turn to others to find the way to go. They are not in competition but thrive through shared efforts. Isn’t that true for our community as well? We need many working together to move forward.

The JCRC leverages the strength and heart of Puget Sound’s diverse Jewish community to secure a vibrant Jewish future and champion a just, democratic, and pluralistic society. One of the key ways we bring our mission to life is through our advocacy in Olympia. For nearly 25 years, the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, now through its JCRC, has lobbied on behalf of local Jewish communal organizations and community concerns. 

Thanks to our amazing team, collaboration with key legislators and coalitions, and incredible volunteers, our foundation is strong. 

• Since 2017, nearly 90 organizations/groups have supported our efforts;
• Since 2020, 75% of the bills and budget provisos we have championed have passed;
• Since 2016, we’ve secured $3.5 million dollars for local Jewish organizations and programs that benefit local Jewish organizations.

So how is the Federation’s JCRC preparing for the 2025 legislative session, which starts January 13? 

• Statewide Community Survey – Your responses to our annual statewide public policy survey tell us what issues to prioritize. This year, you told us loud and clear that addressing antisemitism was most important. We’re pursuing every avenue to create and support policy changes that will help make Jews in Washington State more safe.

• Expanding Outreach and Building Solidarity – We’re meeting with more local Jewish organizations, non-Jewish groups, and legislators in advance of the session than ever before, working to deepen relationships, understand needs and priorities, and identify potential new partnerships and shared goals. Walking into the session with more cohesion and understanding will improve the effectiveness of our advocacy.

• Increasing Communal Strength – We’re increasing the number of community members signed up for our alerts so when we need to take action quickly, more of our voices can unite for a bigger impact. If you aren’t already signed up, you can do so here!

• Adaptive and Responsive – We’re engaging expert JCRC volunteer leaders on the public advocacy committee to help answer strategic questions such as: On which issues is a Jewish communal voice most needed, and how should the JCRC pivot post-election?

Like salmon spawning, the Jewish community must, at times, swim against the current and undertake a journey against what feels like nearly impossible odds. During this legislative session, the Federation’s JCRC will stay committed to our mission, tap into our inner strength, and amplify our impact, by raising up our voices and working hand in hand. And like the salmon, we will only succeed together.