American Jewish Committee - AJC Seattle

05/21/2026

Last week, AJC Seattle was honored to join Rabbi Sadya Davidoff from the Chabad Jewish Center of Shoreline, and Nevet Basker, co-Chair of Washingtonians for a Brighter Future, at the presentation of a proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month in the City of Shoreline.

The proclamation was presented by Shoreline Mayor Betsy Robertson, and we appreciate Councilmember Keith Scully for his leadership in its creation.

05/20/2026

Earlier in May, AJC Seattle joined the Rwandan Community Association of Washington State (RCA-WA) at their annual Kwibuka ceremony, which memorializes the anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This year, AJC was also honored to participate in a candle lighting ceremony, and in the presentation of a proclamation from King County to RCA-WA recognizing this somber anniversary.

As we honor the memories of those lost, we stand in solidarity with our Rwandan neighbors and in gratitude for the friendship between our two communities.

05/15/2026

Week two of our Jewish American Heritage Month, America250, and AJC at 120 history series highlights Sidney Ge**er, whose story is told below by AJC Seattle President Deanne Weiss Etsekson.

The included photo of Sidney was taken sometime between 1940 and 1950, and is housed in the University of Washington Libraries collection: https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/social/id/17501/rec/36

05/14/2026

With thanks to the City of Mountlake Terrace, Mayor Dr. Steve Woodard, Council Member Erin Murray and Snohomish County Council Member, Jared Mead, on their proclamation of May as Jewish American Heritage Month.

05/08/2026

To celebrate the overlap of Jewish American Heritage Month, the 250th anniversary of American independence, and the 120th anniversary of the founding of American Jewish Committee, each week through Independence Day AJC Seattle will be sharing one local Jewish story which has made an impact on Washington State.

Our first story, retold by Huma Kali, recounts Richard Ornstein's experience trying to purchase a home in Sand Point 1952. Listen below:

04/20/2026

Regina Sassoon Friedland, Seattle regional director at the American Jewish Committee (AJC), told JNS it is “deeply troubling, though sadly not surprising, to see a peaceful event met with violent aggression, including assault.”

“Disagreement is part of democracy. Violence is not,” she said. “People have every right to protest, but what’s happening here goes beyond that. The Jewish people will not be intimidated to halt our events and activities.”

"People have every right to protest, but what’s happening here goes beyond that," Regina Sassoon Friedland, of the American Jewish Committee, told JNS. "The Jewish people will not be intimidated to halt our events and activities."

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.

03/31/2026

It's been one week since Advocacy In Action, and we can't stop thinking about all the amazing friends, supporters, elected leaders, and diplomats who came out on a windy evening to honor Alayne and Bob Sulkin, hear from CNN's Bianna Golodryga, and support AJC's vital work!

More photos from the evening are available at the link below:
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCP6EC

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

A group of firefighters from Idaho traveled to Israel to support the country's search and rescue, and humanitarian, needs during the war in Iran. i24 News interviewed one of those volunteers, asking him what he wanted to say to the Israeli people.

That firefighter's response? "You are not alone." As Israel continues to deal with threats to its safety, security, and existence from the Iranian Regime and its Hezbollah proxy in Lebanon, that message only reinforces the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel. AJC continues to advocate in support of that partnership, and we appreciate the commitment of our American neighbors to supporting the people of Israel.

03/25/2026

Last night was a powerful reminder of who we are—and what this moment asks of us.

Grateful to Saul and Devorah Gamoran, Andrea Wenet and Jerry Calhoun for their leadership, and to Judy Greenstein for a thoughtful conversation with Bianna Golodryga.

Inspired by Alayne and Bob Sulkin’s example, we’re reminded that being a “serious Jew” today means not just passing on our identity—but standing up for it, together.

If you felt it too, take the next step with us:
https://donate.ajc.org/give/760576/ #!/donation/checkout