New York, NY; November 15, 2012— Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading Jewish organization focused on realizing human rights and ending poverty in the developing world, today issued the following statement on AJWS’s top rating in the first-ever index of LGBT inclusion policies and practices within North American Jewish communal organizations:
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is proud to have earned the highest possible score in The Jewish Organization Equality Index (JOEI). This score reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive work environment for LGBT staff, board and constituents. AJWS encourages LGBT diversity through our progressive anti-discrimination policy and workplace policies and practices. Without a doubt, the JOEI is an important tool to ensure equity and justice within the organized Jewish community.
Congratulations to the Human Rights Campaign, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, Morningstar Foundation, Stuart Kurlander and Keshet for this report that highlights significant efforts within the Jewish community and potential for growth.
As part of its work around the world, AJWS supports grassroots LGBT groups fighting for their basic human rights in developing countries, including Uganda, where local LGBT people are under threat of persecution by their government.
American Jewish World Service
Inspired by Judaism’s commitment to justice, American Jewish World Service works to realize human rights and end poverty in the developing world. www.ajws.org
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