The League of Concerned Jewish Students began as a small group of students in Boston making public demands in November 1969 at the General Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds. These students were seeking more democracy within organized Jewish life and funding. Essentially, they wanted the Jewish Federations to be more aware of their cultural values. The organization served as a reminder to charities to maintain, and increase, their Jewish identity. The group eventually represented both students and faculty members at universities in the Boston and New York areas.
Above all, the Concerned Jewish Students demanded: reordering of domestic priorities toward Jewish education, more aid for Soviet Jews, ardent support for Israel and appropriation of funds toward creative programs examining Jews living in a world of shifting values. Public meetings of local budget and allocation committees were often held to get all members of the community involved in these key aspects of Jewish community life.
From the guide to the Concerned Jewish Students of Greater Boston records, 1969-1973, (American Jewish Historical Society)
