Wayne State University Oakland Center
33737 West 12 Mile Road
Room 130
Farmington Hills, MI 48331

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (ET)

Jewish Community Relations Council, Wayne State University, Yad Ezra

Jewish Community Relations Council

As the umbrella body of 105 local Jewish organizations, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) coordinates the community’s public affairs agenda, builds ties between the Jewish community and the rich mix of ethnic, civic and religious groups in metropolitan Detroit, and provides a Jewish voice to the media and government. JCRC’s agenda focuses on advocacy for Israel, preserving America’s commitment to pluralistic democracy, civil liberties and social justice, and on building a stronger, more unified Detroit Jewish community. JCRC’s areas of expertise are in media relations, government relations, grassroots advocacy and coalition building. JCRC carries the dual responsibility of reflecting the Jewish community’s consensus while providing leadership in pursuit of traditional and contemporary Jewish values. It is both a gathering of activists and a platform for advocacy, agents of social change, and stewards of conscience. JCRC serves as a catalyst to heighten community awareness, encourages civic and social involvement, and provides a forum to deliberate key issues of importance to the Jewish community.

Wayne State University

Founded in 1868, Wayne State University is a nationally recognized metropolitan research institution offering more than 400 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students. Wayne State’s main campus in Midtown Detroit comprises 100 buildings over nearly 200 acres; its five extension centers offer higher education to people throughout Southeast Michigan.

Wayne State is dedicated to preparing students to excel by combining the academic excellence of a major research university with the practical experience of an institution that by its history, location and diversity represents a microcosm of the world we live in. Reflecting its location and the excellent international reputation of its graduate schools, particularly in the sciences, Wayne State boasts the most diverse student body among Michigan’s public universities. Its students represent 49 U.S. states and more than 60 countries.

Yad Ezra

Yad Ezra opened its doors in 1990 with the purpose of providing kosher food to needy Jewish families in Southeastern Michigan. The founders of Yad Ezra learned that there were impoverished Jews living in the community who relied heavily on government assistance programs including food stamps.

Yad Ezra was founded to alleviate some of its clients' financial burdens by distributing groceries on a monthly basis to families in need. During 1990, Yad Ezra served an average of 250 families every month. Current statistics indicate that Yad Ezra provides an average of 1,600 impoverished families (almost 3,600 individuals) with food, health care items and household goods every month. In addition, Yad Ezra distributes appropriate foods that help enhance the clients' celebration of every Jewish holiday.