Send page to a Friend Our Impact JCRC promotes a society that reflects the best of American and Jewish values -- in Greater Boston, Israel and around the world -- by convening and mobilizing the Jewish community.  Through advocacy, organizing, service and partnerships, JCRC pursues social justice, ensures a vibrant Jewish community, and builds a network of support for Israel. JCRC's impact is felt throughout the Greater Boston area and beyond to Haifa and Dnepropetrovsk. Pursuing social justice JCRC pursues social justice by taking action to raise awareness, build coalitions, develop leaders, and promote volunteer service to effect change in the broader community.   This year, JCRC:  Brought together hundreds of community members and supporters to celebrate ten years of partnerships between Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy (GBJCL) and partner schools Collected and donated 10,000 books through the first ever mega-book drive, "Book It" Promoted awareness among city officials in Newton, MA to institute recycling and environmental measures  Held a bone marrow drive through GesherCity that attracted over 250 people Strengthening community JCRC promotes a vibrant future for the Jewish community by fostering understanding, improving quality of life and strengthening institutions—in Greater Boston and around the world   This year, JCRC:  Held the inaugural Israel Arbeiter Essay Contest that attracted over 600 applications from students in grades 6-12 Organized Dream for Darfur Torch Relay urging China to use its significant influence to bring an end to genocide in Sudan Empowered NGO leaders in Haifa and Boston and promoted social change through a learning and leadership network Advocated successfully for state funding for the Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities and for new programs in Springfield, MA and Lynn, MA Supporting Israel   JCRC builds a broad network of support for Israel in its quest for a secure and lasting peace.   This year, JCRC:  Implemented a campaign to build support for stopping the threat of a nuclear Iran in cooperation with Jewish communal agencies and allies in the non-Jewish community Convened 4 regional Town Hall meetings with an average attendance of 300 Held several rallies and events in the Greater Boston area Promoted Israel through op-eds, advertisements, and feature articles placed in the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and Jewish Advocate Organized 18 non-governmental organization leaders from Boston to attend a seminar in Haifa to learn about religion, culture, and society in Israel