The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle leverages the strength and heart of Puget Sound’s diverse Jewish community to champion a just, democratic, and pluralistic society. 

As we approach the 2024 Election Day on November 5, we know tensions in our country are high. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of the Jewish community. In partnership with SAFE Washington, we will monitor risks to communal safety and will be in touch should concerns arise.

We want to reiterate JCRC’s core principles as they relate to the upcoming election:

• We believe that every American citizen should have the opportunity to cast a meaningful ballot.
• We affirm the link between the health of key democratic institutions in American society and our well-being as Jews.
• We oppose efforts to undermine confidence in elections, as the electoral process is critical to the health and legitimacy of America’s democratic institutions.

For the Jewish community, there is much at stake—from our ability to be safe and free as Jews, to women’s rights, to the Israel-Hamas war, to economic security. These issues (and more) may be core to what we stand for personally and as members of diverse Jewish communities. Our stances on issues or votes for particular candidates reflect our values. And, regardless of where you may sit on the political spectrum, you may feel your values are under threat.

The gravity of this election weighs on us heavily. Anxiety about the future is widespread, and fears of potential violence surrounding the election results are palpable. Yet, our individual values must not become cause for further division.

As a community, no matter your vote, we ask that you partner with us in upholding the core JCRC values of: 

1. Kol Yisrael – our collective responsibility to one another;
2. Elu v’Elu – recognizing that there are multiple sides of an issue, being open to hearing views that are not our own, grappling with complexity; and
3. B’tselem Elohim – seeing and honoring the humanity in each person.  

We have seen how the lack of compassion and civil discourse tears at the fabric of our society. Our hope is that in the days and weeks following the election, our local Jewish community remains committed to these values and cares for one another.

And, most importantly, remember to vote!