The Jewish community has always been a strong partner in fighting for racial justice throughout the United States, be it on educational reform, ending segregation, the civil rights movement, and the enforcement of the Voting Rights Act. It is now time for us to join with those working in our state in support of racial justice. Anyone interested in getting involved and making a difference is invited to join us for a very important program, “Criminal Justice Reform: Formulating the Jewish Response” on April 6 at 7 p.m.

The Honorable Paul J. Fishman, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and a former member of our Newark Advisory Counsel, has assembled for this event a dynamic panel of individuals who are working on the front lines of this cause — educating our community about criminal justice reform taking place in our state and nation. One of the panelists is a formerly incarcerated re-entry program advocate who spoke about how this program transformed his life to President Obama during his visit to Newark this fall.

Statistics show that there are 12 black prisoners for every white prisoner in our state and that the impact of this situation is felt heavily in the African American communities. The majority of the prison populations are arrested for low-level and non-violent crimes. More young people are entering the criminal justice system rather than receiving discipline in school and being mentored toward a path of higher learning and economic opportunity. And after being released from prison, most struggle to find the employment, receive the educational opportunities, and access the health care needed to transform their lives and participate as fully contributing citizens.

“Criminal Justice Reform: Formulating the Jewish Response” will be held on April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus, 901 Route 10 in Whippany and is free of charge and open to all members of the community. To register or find out more about the program and the speakers, click here.