Send Page to a Friend JCRC prepares for a new year   By Molly Ritvo The Jewish Advocate   The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston geared up for 5768 at their annual meeting Sept. 6. Over 150 representatives from the Jewish community and beyond gathered at the Boston Sheraton for the noon time event. Over lunch, JCRC leaders outlined their agenda for the coming year, highlighting the pending Iran and Sudan divestment bills and the importance of working to improve health care reform and immigration policy. "Every year this meeting brings together the alphabet soup of everyone from the Jewish Community," said Nancy K. Kaufman, executive director of JCRC. "It is a time when all the diverse groups come together as one community as we address key issues facing us." The acknowledgement and prevention of genocide was another highlight of the meeting. Kaufman spoke about the moral obligation of genocide recognition, adding that it was a testament to the strength of the local community to stand together in the fact of recent controversy. The JCRC recently supported the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, Andrew H. Tarsy, when he opposed national ADL's refusal to acknowledge the Armenian genocide. Tarsy, along with representatives from the Armenian community, were in attendance. And with the ADL controversy seemingly in the rearview mirror for JCRC, the organization is working to thwart Iran's possible nuclear pursuit on Israel. According to Kaufman, Iran poses the most imminent threat to global security. "Action on Iran must be focused on preventing its development of a nuclear weapon while doing so in a way that avoids military confrontation," said Kaufman. Kaufman added that the United States should cut off funds to companies that support Iran's nuclear program. But the business of the day also had to do with internal JCRC matters. Jim W. Segel, JCRC president over the past year, has accepted a position with Rep. Barney Frank in Washington, D.C. and will therefore be unable to serve the traditional second and final year in office. Segel said it will be important for the Jewish community in the coming year to focus on creating more partnerships within the community. "I hope we lessen the divides within us, espeically in dealing with fractious issues," Segel told the Advocate. I anticipate that there will be stronger communication within a community that is not paralyzed by inactivity and inaction." Taking over as president for JCRC will be Stuart T. Rossman, who was welcomed at the event. He will be the 30th individual to serve as president for JCRC, according to the organization. Addressing the assemblage, Rossman said he was looking forward to the New Year and was excited to help ensure the continued vibrancy of the Jewish community. Kaufman added that the JCRC is a force for change. "We raise our voices, reach out to those in need, speak out against injustices and show compassion for all," she said. Representatives from Jewish and non-Jewish groups were in attendance, including the American Jewish Committee, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Hadassah, the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, and many others. Alan Ronkin, deputy director of the JCRC, said that the organization improves with each passing year. "JCRC has had a very successful year," he said of 5767. "Next year, we are anticipating an even better one."