Boston Jewish Community Relations Council

To address community concerns surrounding the increase in anti-Semitic attacks in primary Jewish neighborhoods, the Associated Jewish Philanthropies organized an interim committee in 1938 to examine interfaith cooperation in Boston. After this committee dissipated, Associated Jewish Philanthropies organized the Central Advisory Committee during World War II. This committee, led by Isaac Seligson, established the Jewish Community Council of Metropolitan Boston in 1949, headed by Robert Segal. The Council was comprised of representatives from central Jewish organizations in the area, including B'nai B'rith Anti Defamation League, Associated Jewish Philanthropies, the Rabbinical Association, Jewish War Veterans, American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, Associated Synagogues, B'rith Abraham, Combined Appeal, Jewish Labor Committee, Jewish National Workers Alliance, Mizrachi, Pioneers of Palestine, Poale Zion, Workmen's Circle, Vaad Haraborum, Vaad Hoir, Zionist Groups, Young Israel, League of Jewish Women, and Council of Jewish Women.

The Council continually modified its goals and purpose to reflect the changing political and economic landscape. After World War II, focus shifted to include Jewish representation in non-sectarian community or public groups, civil rights, community relations, and fund solicitation practices. Throughout the 1950s, and 1960s, committee work also addressed religious liberties, intercultural education, Israel and the Middle East, civil liberties, immigration, legislation, and discrimination. In the 1970s, council committees continued to focus on Middle East affairs, Church and State, human rights and Jewish concerns, as well as Soviet Jewry, media, and the Boston Holocaust Memorial.

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