Global Human Rights Organization Celebrates Opportunities to Defend Human Rights Progress in the Global South
New York (November 4, 2026) – Following last night’s midterm elections, American Jewish World Service welcomes new leadership in the House of Representatives and Senate that is more supportive of human rights and the rule of law. We look forward to working with the new Congress to build a world that is more just and more equal.
“Jewish tradition teaches that our responsibility to help is transcendent, that we are all connected to one another. That principle will animate AJWS’s partnership with a new Congress through advocacy and the voice of our supporters, our clergy, and our staff,” said Tawanda Mutasah, President and CEO.
For decades, AJWS has advocated for U.S. foreign policy that upholds human rights and supports grassroots movements globally. These issues have been at the core of our advocacy and we are elated by the prospect of a positive partnership.
The shift in Congressional leadership is also being welcomed by human rights advocates worldwide. AJWS, which supports grassroots human rights movements in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, has already heard from grantee partners who followed the U.S. election carefully.
“Celebrations across Nairobi this morning welcomed a new U.S. Congress,” said Njeri Gateru, Executive Director of Kenya’s National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, a long-time AJWS partner. “On the heels of two painful years, we are again reminded that American voters expect their representatives to transcend self-interest and invest in the larger global community.”
Even as we welcome a new Congress, AJWS recognizes the long and difficult work that lies ahead to begin undoing damage to people, institutions, and democracy. As it says in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Ancestors) 2:16: ‘It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you free to neglect it.'”
We will work with our elected leaders to fight back against the forces that have divided many and impacted policies that support the marginalized communities that AJWS serves.
For More Information
If you are a member of the press and wish to obtain information about our work or speak to a member of our global team on deadline, please contact Tanyanika Davis, Director of Media Relations, at tdavis@ajws.org.