AJC Houston

04/18/2026

AJC Houston's 2026 Annual Fundraiser celebrating 80 Years of Impact was a monumental success! Attendees walked away with actionable work that can be carried into our daily lives.

The event honored 80 years of AJC Houston Presidents with a deeply honest conversation moderated by Director Rachel Schneider featuring Emmanuel Acho, Rothko Chapel’s Abdullah Antepli, and Congregation Beth Yeshurun’s Rabbi Brian Strauss. The program perfectly demonstrated how people with different life experiences and beliefs can respectfully sit and engage in meaningful conversations.

Our objective cannot be forcing someone to agree with your opinion. To begin the road to understanding first we need to listen, learn and gain perspective from one another. Thank you to those who attended.
📸credit: © Daniel Ortiz Photography

A special thanks to our Host Committee and Sponsors:
Barbara and Ron Brounes
Iris Fisherman
Martha and Donald Freedman
Ann and J. Kent Friedman
Rae and Rich Friedman
Sharon and Bobby Krumholz
Eve and Bobby Lapin
Ana Bojanini and Jack Lascar
Norri and Jason Leder
Velva G. Levine
Esther and Gary Polland
Regina Rogers
Susan and Stanley Schneider
Debbie and David Simon
Lauren Smith
Robin Stein
Barbara Winthrop and Jay Steinfeld
Irene Weingarten and Richard Wolf
Helene and Dror Zadok

H-E-B, Martha and Don Freedman, Jake and Nina Kamin Foundation,
Cyvia Wolff, Lori and Jay Dushkin/Anissa and Reid Friedman/Alma and Dr. Tom Garcia/Carla Diaz-Lewis and Kenneth Lewis/Tami and Gregg Sheena, Rae and Rich Friedman/Barbara Winthrop and Jay Steinfeld, Ana Bojanini and Jack Lascar,
Ora and Irwin Levowitz, Lauren and Oren Marouni, Ed and Debbie Rochman/Roger and Iris Rochman, Debbie and David Simon,
Helene and Dror Zadok, Harmony Public Schools, Like Minds Talk, Memorial Hermann, and Media Sponsors Jewish Herald-Voice and Houston Style Magazine.

04/16/2026

WATCH NOW

More than a month after the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began, the region is entering a new phase of negotiations and uncertainty.

Following a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, we now find ourselves at a critical crossroads.

Join Benjamin Rogers, AJC Deputy Director of the Center for a New Middle East, Hagar Chemali, Co-Founder of the Lebanon-Israel Peace Alliance, and Garrett Nada, Policy Fellow at Israel Policy Forum, as they explore the complexities and emerging opportunities for the U.S. and the Middle East.

04/10/2026

“Stop what you’re doing and check on your Jewish friends.” - Emmanuel Acho

At a time of rising antisemitism, voices like Emmanuel Acho’s matter more than ever.

Known for sparking national conversations on race, identity, and understanding, he’s now using his platform to shine a light on the Jewish experience and the power of allyship.

This isn’t just another speaking event.

It’s a conversation you can’t afford to miss.

Be in the room with AJC Houston on April 15.

Registration ends Sunday: AJC.org/houston/80years

04/06/2026

AJC Houston was honored to meet with Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and German Embassy Washington Ambassador Jens Hanefeld on their historic visit to Texas and thank them for their support of Israel and the Jewish communities around the globe.

Special thanks to German Consulate General Houston for putting together such a fantastic Texas-style celebration!

04/01/2026

Passover is a time of rejoicing, renewal, and gratitude for the blessings of freedom.

As we gather to celebrate this meaningful holiday, we reflect on the enduring strength, resilience, and hope of the Jewish people, and give thanks for the joys and freedoms we are able to share today.

Please enjoy photos of this year’s Multifaith Community Seder with our partners at Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, ADL Southwest, Evelyn Rubenstein JCC and HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON

03/31/2026

WATCH NOW

Nearly one month after U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran, the regime has expanded the battlefield—targeting civilian, military, and energy infrastructure across the Gulf and beyond.

Join us for a timely conversation moderated by Reva Gorelick, Interim Director of AJC Abu Dhabi with Abdulrahman Al Haddadi from The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), political analyst Farah Bdour, and Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli from Bahrain’s Derasat as we examine what comes next for the region and what is at stake.

03/27/2026

AJC Houston Director Rachel Schneider had an OpEd published in the Houston Chronicle this week on the recent attack at her childhood synagogue in Michigan. Drawing on her personal connection to the congregation, Rachel underscores a painful reality that for many American Jews, the fear of antisemitism is a factor in everyday decisions.

“When a synagogue is attacked, the ripple effects extend to Jewish families everywhere who see themselves reflected in those headlines.”

It is not just a Jewish problem when children need armed guards to attend preschool.

03/26/2026

Tuesday night 𝗔𝗝𝗖 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻, along with partnering orgs, had the pleasure of presenting 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗮 for another fantastic installment of 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘳. ⁣
⁣
In a rare and intimate setting, attendees were able to hear Dr. Grotta speak on his extensive research, drug and collaborative advancements in the neurology and stroke fields. The group was touched by Dr. Grotta’s passion/ advancements in the stroke field and thrilled to see the Mobile Stroke Unit in person 🚑 🧠 🥼

Grateful for everyone who attended and our partners!

03/18/2026

A busy and inspiring few weeks at AJC Houston!

✔️ Alongside our partners at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON, and ADL Southwest, we had the privilege of a private tour of the Ismaili Center Houston — the first of its kind in the United States. Thank you to our hosts for welcoming us into such a beautiful and meaningful space and for deepening our interfaith understanding.

✔️ A joyful Purim celebration with the Consular Corps of Houston, bringing together diplomats and AJC Houston supporters for an evening of costumes, community, and shared celebration.

✔️ Our Regional Director was honored to attend the official inauguration of the Swedish Consulate in Houston, joined by Crown Princess Victoria, Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Honorable Maria Malmer Stenergard, the U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Christine Toretti, the Swedish Ambassador to the United States Urban Ahlin, and members of Houston’s consular community.

Grateful for the partnerships, friendships, and moments that continue to strengthen our work and bring communities together.

03/17/2026

🧠 Could a few minutes be the difference between life and loss?
💡 Join us for an exclusive event exploring the groundbreaking Mobile Stroke Unit!
🚑 Discover how Dr.James Grotta launched the nation’s first Mobile Stroke Unit, and built powerful collaborations with the UT Stroke Team, the Houston Fire Department EMS, and regional stroke centers to save even more lives.
🎤 Featuring Dr. James Grotta, Vascular Neurologist & Director, Mobile Stroke Unit, Memorial Hermann Hospital.
🍷 Come for the inspiration, stay for the wine!
📍 Location shared after registration
👉 Register HERE: https://iac360.org/iac-events/scienbar/

03/05/2026

📣 Emmanuel Acho will lead a conversation with Imam Abdullah Antepli, President of Rothko Chapel, and Rabbi Brian Strauss of Congregation Beth Yeshurun, celebrating AJC Houston’s 80 Years of Impact!

🗓️ April 15. Doors open 6:30pm. Dinner program begins 7:15pm

🎟️ Purchase your tickets today for a powerful dialogue on allyship, confronting extremism, and advancing interfaith collaboration.

Acho is a UT Alumnus and linebacker, Former NFL Player, Bestselling Author of four books including Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew, co-written with Noa Tishby and Emmy-Winning Host and Producer of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.

To learn more about the event, tickets or sponsorship opportunities:
www.ajc.org/houston/80years