All that you touch You Change. All that you Change Changes you. The only lasting truth is Change. God is Change.

– Octavia Butler

Former CJJ Organizer Cole Parke-West painted these words in their house; a great reminder when we’d meet when I was a volunteer helping plan and launch the Antisemitism Listening Project, or debriefing from that week’s Fed Up hustle. 

For me, this month will mark significant change, as I transition out of my role as Executive Director of Carolina Jews for Justice. (Exciting announcement coming soon to your inbox; and yes, I’m teasing that news here!) 

So much and yet very little has changed since I’ve been in this role. 

We still work with partners on projects (alleviating suffering) such as CJJ-West’s planned rebuild day with Nechama and Indivisible in the Asheville area. Still work locally to change material conditions towards a more just NC, as in CJJ-Durham’s Community Safety Team’s work to expand the HEART program, providing more, immediate, unarmed care to those in crisis. Still work with partners to build the power of our movement, as in the May 7 launch of Blueprint NC’s Faith Table.

And we continue to do this together, Jewishly, by nourishing our souls in community at Shabbatlucks, and by understanding the particular roles and obligations we have as Jews, as a Diasporic people, to leave a better world for all children (L’dor Vador). We continue applying the lessons of our shared ancestors to our current circumstances for survival and thrival. 

As CJJ adapts to meet current moments, it's important we remember and return to our origins: responding to a Jewish elder’s call to meet and eat in her living room, to organize, to build a better North Carolina. In short: be together, fight tyrants.

There is not enough room in this space to adequately share reflections and wisdom gained in these years. So, as I take some time to rest from the overwhelm, I look forward to sharing more soon via CJJ’s blog.

In the meanwhile, I leave with the feeling of immense gratitude, and with the knowledge that CJJ is in great hands! 

Lisa (CJJ-West) and Mark (CJJ-Triad + Communications) hold the institutional knowledge of what CJJ is and has done, while supporting leaders (you!) to grow in their power. Our incoming ED brings much heart and experience to help shape vision, strategy, and relationships. Our board, small and mighty, grows daily in its capacity to apply their gifts, talents and resources to expertly steward our beloved organization. 

As the calls for greater organizing are clear – to get what we all need to thrive – CJJ seeks to grow in the face of oppression and regressive power. After all, those are the circumstances in which we found each other, on those steps at the Capitol, years ago. Since then, the ways people find belonging and strength with CJJ have grown exponentially.

It is, once again, time to step up/in to organize together! THAT is the legacy I seek to leave.

See you out there – together, fighting tyrants. 

Peace,

Abby

NC Rabbis' Passover Message & Interfaith Support 

On the eve of Passover last month, 18 North Carolina rabbis drafted a courageous letter, calling on the Trump Administration to reverse course on its draconian deportation agenda and adhere to democratic norms. The letter was published that Sunday, April 13, the second night of seder, in the Raleigh News & Observer. 

In the following days, CJJ worked with UU Justice NC and North Carolina Council of Churches to organize an interfaith support letter to amplify the rabbis' message. By the close of the sign-on period, more than 175 faith and community leaders from across the state chose to add their signatures to the support letter, which was also published in the News & Observer. 

Nat'l Jewish Organizations Call Out "False Choice Between Jewish Safety & Democracy"  

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs brought together a coalition of mainstream American Jewish organizations to oppose recent Trump Administration policies that violate our nation's democratic values.

In recent weeks, escalating federal actions have used the guise of fighting antisemitism to justify stripping students of due process rights when they face arrest and/or deportation, as well as to threaten billions in academic research and education funding. Students have been arrested at home and on the street with no transparency as to why they are being held or deported, and in certain cases with the implication that they are being punished for their constitutionally-protected speech. Universities have an obligation to protect Jewish students, and the federal government has an important role to play in that effort; however, sweeping draconian funding cuts will weaken the free academic inquiry that strengthens democracy and society, rather than productively counter antisemitism on campus.

These actions do not make Jews—or any community—safer. Rather, they only make us less safe.

The April 15 joint statement was signed by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, National Council of Jewish Women, American Conference of Cantors, Central Conference of American Rabbis, HIAS, Rabbinical Assembly, Reconstructing Judaism, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, and the Union for Reform Judaism.

HIAS Speaks Out Against Detention of Immigrants in El Salvador

In a stand-alone statement on April 18, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) called attention to the terrifying impact of Trump Administration's deportation policies.

HIAS is dismayed by the Trump administration’s practice of detaining immigrants at the notoriously abusive CECOT prison in El Salvador, and by their blatant disregard for due process. 

“The Trump administration is committing a grave injustice,” said Naomi Steinberg, HIAS Vice President for U.S. Policy and Advocacy. “People like Kilmar Abrego Garcia are being sent to rot in a mega-prison known for its human rights abuses. With each passing day, this is wreaking further terror on individuals, their families, and entire immigrant communities.”

CJJ Antisemitism Workshop at UU Friday Action Hour

CJJ Executive Director, Abby Lublin, was the guest presenter at the April 25 UU Justice NC's Friday Action Hour and briefed attendees on The Heritage Foundation's Project Esther. The presentation included a workshop on how to talk about antisemitism and the Trump Administration's cynical use of jewish safety for political gains. 

Please email [email protected] if your congregation, social group or community organization is interested in this training.  

The Collaborative for Jewish Organizing Spring 2025 Impact Report

As you may (or may not) already know, CJJ is part of The Collaborative for Jewish Organizing, a coalition of local and national organizations committed to the pursuit of justice in service to shared Jewish values. Together, we organize Jews and non-Jewish allies to work in partnership with communities of color to advance social, racial, and economic justice, building power for the long term.

Read the Spring 2025 Impact Report to learn more about each network partner and the work we do collectively.

CJJ WEST

• May 5: WNC Disaster Relief Update and Action w/Rep. Prather

Rep. Lindsey Prather, District 115, will update us on recovery efforts post Helene, provide a legislative update from the General Assembly and guide us in taking action together. Holly Jones, Director of Governor Josh Stein's Western Office, will also be present to answer questions.

• May 9: Shabbat Potluck Gathering 

What better thing is there to do in difficult times than come together in community?! So, let's break bread, talk about how to stay sane, share ways to take action, and enjoy each other's company!  

• May 14: Disaster Relief Workday w/Nechama  

Join Carolina Jews for Justice and Indivisible AVL for a full day of disaster relief volunteering with NECHAMA - the only Jewish organization to offer sustained direct services in the US following the onset of a natural disaster. 

• May 15: Speaking Truth to Power: A Legal Lens on Civil Disobedience 

In a time when the urge to speak out and demand change is more vital than ever, understanding the boundaries and legal ramifications of nonviolent activism, protest, and civil disobedience is crucial. Join the Interfaith Action Network for an insightful presentation with two local lawyers, Steve Agan and Joseph Bowman, as they help us navigate the complex intersection of individual rights and collective action.

CJJ TRIAD

• Chavurah Potluck 

Join a group of Triad Jews and allies aligned around values of anti-racism, peace, and justice in the United States, Israel/Palestine, and the world. Email Anne Parsons for details: [email protected].

CJJ TRIANGLE

• Community Safety Organizing Team 

The Community Safety Organizing Team works to build a Durham that is safe and healing for both Jews and non-Jews alike. We work with our political allies to build and use power at the municipal and county levels of government to enact policies promoting the safety and well-being of all neighbors, with an emphasis on marginalized communities in Durham.

Help Carolina Jews for Justice do more! Your financial support powers our shared mission to realize a more just, fair, and compassionate North Carolina. Donate here today!

L'tzedek,

Carolina Jews for Justice
https://www.carolinajewsforjustice.org/