Press Releases

American Jewish World Service Opposes Growing Calls to Discriminate Against Muslims

Leading Jewish international human rights organization draws on lessons of Jewish history and underscores need to speak against bigotry New York, NY—In the wake of rising calls by politicians, elected officials and others to discriminate against Muslims—increasing in response to terrorist attacks undertaken by Islamist individuals and organizations—American Jewish World Service released the statement below …

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Statement from AJWS President Ruth Messinger on the Confirmation of Gayle Smith as the Next Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development

NEW YORK—Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the world’s leading Jewish organization dedicated to ending poverty and promoting human rights in the developing world, released a statement today applauding the confirmation of Gayle Smith, who most recently served as Senior Director of the National Security Council, as the next Administrator of the …

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AJWS Announces Robert Bank to Succeed Ruth Messinger as President on July 1, 2016

After a remarkable 17-year presidency, Messinger to serve as AJWS Global Ambassador NEW YORK—American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading Jewish international human rights and development organization, announced today a leadership transition that ensures continuity of its strategy and mission while entrusting the stewardship of AJWS to a new generation. Following an 18-month proactive planning …

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American Jewish World Service Proud to Stand with Pope Francis in Struggle against Poverty and Oppression Worldwide

Leading Jewish international human rights organization lauds Pope Francis’ commitment to human dignity and call for global justice New York, NY – As Pope Francis visits the United States this week, Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service (AJWS) issued the following statement: Statement of Ruth Messinger, President of AJWS “As Jews who are committed to pursuing justice for the …

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Ruth Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service, to Join World Bank CEO Jim Yong Kim at Religion & Sustainable Development Conference

MEDIA ADVISORY International and Faith-Based Leaders to Discuss Building Partnerships to End Extreme Poverty Messinger Also To Join Panel on Religion and International Development Washington, DC—Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), America’s leading Jewish international development and human rights organization, will moderate the “Public Sector Leadership Perspectives” panel featuring World Bank CEO …

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American Jewish World Service Congratulates State Department for Release of Annual Human Rights Report

Washington, D.C. – American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading Jewish international development and human rights organization, applauds U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the State Department on the release of the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2014. This report helps guide U.S. government and foreign policy assistance and also underscores threats …

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With SCOTUS ruling behind us, Obama must turn to LGBT people around the world

New York, NY – American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading Jewish international development and human rights organization, applauds the U.S. Supreme Court for delivering this historic victory for marriage equality. “This is a magnificent achievement for our country,” said Robert Bank, executive vice president of AJWS. “Although it may be tempting to view this …

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AJWS on Crisis in Dominican Republic: We Stand in Solidarity with Dominican-Born Communities and Haitian Migrants

Leading Jewish international human rights organization calls on Dominican government to restore citizenship to more than 200,000 being denied their nationality New York, NY—Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading Jewish international development and human rights organization, issued the following statement in advance of the impending deportation of Dominican-born individuals and …

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Leading Jewish Human Rights Group Urges President Obama to Protect Refugees from Burma

The U.S. must use all means available to rescue the Rohingya people, a persecuted religious and ethnic minority New York, NY – American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading Jewish international development and human rights organization, is urging President Barack Obama to use all means available to rescue the 6,000-plus members of the Rohingya community …

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Media Advisory: New US Special Envoy for LGBT Persons will join Ugandan Human Rights Advocate to Speak at National Policy Summit for American Jewish World Service

Washington, D.C. – Randy Berry, newly appointed as the first ever U.S. State Dept. Special Envoy for the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons, will speak at the American Jewish World Service (AJWS) Policy Summit on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, in Washington, D.C. Berry will be joined by Dr. Hilda Tadria, founder and current executive director of the Mentoring and Empowerment Program for Young Women (MEMPROW).

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