The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston's Community Relations Committee is the social action and public policy arm of the organized Jewish community.  We reach out to public officials, policy makers and the media in order to ensure that they have a clear understanding of important issues to our community.  We focus on Israel Advocacy and Government Affairs.  We are advocates for several agencies supported by the Federation, such as the Jewish Family Service, JCC and Seven Acres. Members of the CRC forge new dialogues, strengthen our community, and enhance support for Israel…educating ourselves in the process.  We help to bring the community together in times of crisis, celebration and commemoration.  The CRC exemplifies the goal of tikun olam that is our heritage.
 
Projects in the recent past have included: organizing a Day in Austin and Visit to City Hall to advocate on behalf of local Jewish agencies; leading legislative missions to Israel; spearheading safety grant initiatives for high risk non-profit agencies; working with law enforcement and the ADL during times of heightened security; coordinating security for large community wide events such as the Israel @ 60 parade; assisting with disaster recovery and response; handling logistics for a Night to Honor Israel; administering the Mickey Leland Kibbutzim Internship; organizing  community wide briefings with notable speakers such as  Ambassador Dennis Ross, Dr. Reuven Hazan, and General Avigdor Kahalani;  sponsoring a Speakers Bureau to educate the public about Israel and the Jewish community; hosting candidate forums;  and building bridges with  members of the community at large. 
 
The CRC also acts as a resource for interagency cooperation and refers individuals within the Jewish community to the appropriate organizations for assistance with a myriad of issues. 

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a speaker from the CRC, please contact Lisa Yoram at 713-729-7000, ext. 307 or send an email to lyoram@houstonjewish.org.