JCRC and the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations (MAJF)’s annual Legislative Reception is an opportunity to honor key public officials for their dedication and showcase our community’s ongoing work to: 1. Ensure funds in the State Budget are allocated to support our social service agenda in partnership with Jewish social service agencies and resources to protect vulnerable non-profit institutions and 2. Advocate in support of our public policy agenda, including standing with immigrants and refugees, criminal justice reform, economic justice and education.
JCRC postponed our Legislative Reception on March 26, but we want to honor our incredible award recipients! Please read their bios and reflections below:
Legislative Leadership Award
Senator Sal DiDomenico (Everett): “It is an honor to receive this award from the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations. Throughout my career, I have strived to lift up our Commonwealth’s most vulnerable, and I always know that I have trusted partners in JCRC and MAJF. Whether it be fighting for justice for our immigrant and refugee community, providing support to low-income families, or working towards economic justice for all, I am always proud to stand with JCRC and MAJF. I am deeply grateful for their partnership and advocacy over the years, and I would thank them for this recognition.”
From his first term, Senator DiDomenico has been a trusted partner on many of our key priorities, most specifically the charge to provide a ladder to economic opportunity for all people. He was the Senate lead sponsor on the recently enacted “Lift the Cap on Kids” legislation to ensure that families in poverty have access to needed supports and has led efforts to provide job training opportunities for immigrants and refugees.
Legislative Leadership Award
Representative Claire Cronin (Easton) – “I am honored to accept the Legislative Leadership Award from the JCRC and to work with JCRC to support social justice issues. JCRC has been a valuable partner in the important conversations we need to be having regarding race and social justice.”
Representative Cronin was the House lead on the ground-breaking Criminal Justice Reform legislation from 2018, pursuing a vision of justice and dignity. Rep Cronin is quickly rising in the ranks of the House and is widely respected as a fierce advocate for her constituents and the advocate community.
Legislative Leadership Award
Representative Jeff Roy (Franklin)
“I am grateful to the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations for this award. I am truly honored to receive it and to be placed in such distinguished ranks as those of the past honorees. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with JCRC and MAJF on a number of policy issues seeking equity and justice for the constituents we serve. We have and will continue to tackle serious problems that need solving, and I look forward to continuing our work together with compassion, commitment and empathy.”Representative Roy is a strong partner in the fight against rising antisemitism and hatred. As a former School Committee member, Rep Roy views education as a crucial tool in fighting bigotry, and has joined the fight with JCRC, ADL, and our partners by filing a Genocide and Holocaust bill for the past three sessions, with the explicit goal of teaching children across the Commonwealth how unchecked prejudice can escalate to atrocity.
Legislative Leadership Award
Boston City Councilor Kim Janey“I am truly honored to receive this award. I’m so thankful to the Jewish Community Relations Council for their dedication and work to make Boston a more just and equitable city. The JCRC is a keystone of Boston’s Jewish community and has been a force for social justice in our city for decades. As President of the most diverse City Council in Boston’s history, I’m grateful, and I extend my congratulations to the other honorees!”
Executive Leadership Award
Brian McKeon (Assistant Chief of Staff for Cabinet Affairs – Office of Governor Baker): ““Thank you to the JCRC for the incredible work you do on a daily basis. Your efforts are tireless and appreciated, and I’m so honored to accept this year’s Executive Leadership Award in recognition of the crucial work we’ve done around the vital Non-Profit Security Grant program.”McKeon has played a key role in the funding and implementation of the Non-Profit Security Grant program, coordinating conversations with the policy team, the budget writing team, and the Executive Office of Public Safety. He is a dedicated public servant who works tirelessly behind the scenes as a key point person in the Governor’s office to shape the implementation of critical policies.
The Legislative Reception is Generously Sponsored by:
The New England Patriots Foundation
