CORE PRINCIPLES
We believe in relational organizing, not transactional coalition building. Relationships are two way streets and are imperfect. Relationships allow space for failure so long as there is genuine accountability and commitment to growth.
We believe productive engagement with other communities requires hearing their voices and understanding their concerns, as they exist today, in order to build and/or restore trust.
We seek to ensure our community understands the concerns of others, and communicates our concerns in ways that can be better understood by those who don't know our full history.
We believe American Jews, and our allies, must fight against the forces of antisemitism regardless of which political party or community it comes from. Further, me must distinguish between blind spots, biases, and actual anti-Jewish bigotry, and respond accordingly.
We believe our community must fight against the rising tide of white nationalism and white supremacy in America. While antisemitism isn't limited to one community, we must recognize that antisemitism is an animating force of white nationalism, and that as white nationalism rises so too will antisemitism. Moreover, we must stand up for all who may be attacked by these forces, including those in Muslim, Black, Latinx, Indigenous (Native American), and LGBTQIA communities. We should recognize many Jews identify as part of of these communities as well.
We reject the notion that one can either support Israel or Palestine. The very foundation of a two-state solution is the acknowledgment that both peoples deserve national self-determination and have a deep tie to the land. Meaningful dialogue on this issue requires acknowledging that fact. It also requires understanding and acknowledging the real trauma of both peoples. The path to peace will be paved by leaders who will honor the histories, dignity, and national aspirations of both peoples. Our hope is to deepen understanding between communities in pursuit of that goal.
OUR FOUNDERS
Ellie Bahrmasel
Eloise D. Bahrmasel is the daughter of an immigrant and a second generation Jewish American, born into a boisterous family committed to keeping the culture of Judaism alive. Her earliest memories include lighting Shabbat candles with her grandmother and being the only kid at the adult table during Seder. Her childhood was also marked by the many stories shared about family members whose lives were tragically lost during the Holocaust, and the commitment to ensuring "never again."
She's taken the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam instilled in her by her family and translated that into her career as an an Engagement Strategist and Entrepreneur, using the principles of human centered design and systems thinking to solve problems and create impact driven solutions. Ellie has leveraged this skill set to advance collaborative initiatives in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors with partners domestically and abroad. Her portfolio includes work with The Kennedy Forum, Comcast NBC Universal, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Ellie is the cofounder of Further Faster Design Studio, a collaborative design studio that uses workshops, prototypes, and testing methods to solve big challenges. She also maintains and independent consulting practice where she works with clients to design strategies, narratives, and experiences for impact. Previously, Ellie co-founded New Founders, a PAC that organized over 300 emerging grassroots organizations to coordinate efforts with established organizations, like Planned Parenthood, the Democratic National Committee, and Center for American Progress. She facilitated the build and launch of the EveryElection app for New Founders, which connects contact information to election dates, allowing individuals to mobilize their personal networks to vote in local elections.
Ellie is a fierce advocate for women’s rights and a champion and civic engagement. She authored the Illinois Say No More letter and co-organized the eponymous community that led to sweeping legislative reform on sexual harassment in Illinois. Her work extends beyond Illinois’ borders. She recently joined the BMW Herbert Quandt Responsible Leaders Network, a global community of leaders striving to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. She’s also a Schusterman REALITY Global fellow, and a delegate to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Young Diplomats Seminar. She has previously held local elected office.
Oren Jacobson
Oren Jacobson is a civic entrepreneur, organizer, thought leader, policy advisor, and consultant focused on helping communities and organizations build the strength and capacity necessary to improve people's lives.
Oren ’s grandfather was among the 10% of Polish Jews to survive WWII, making his life a statistical improbability. This truth guides and motivates Oren to live a life worthy of the Jewish lives lost for the crime of being a Jew, dedicated to supporting, strengthening, and protecting all who are attacked for the crime of being who they are. Oren knows that while progress can be slow, urgency is required in the face of injustice. In professional and personal practice, deep pride in his Jewish identity instills in him a sense of duty to disrupt the unjust imbalances of our world.
Guided by a mission to deepen understanding, build capacity, and drive tangible progress that creates systemic level improvement in people’s lives, his work is dedicated to creating an American reality that matches the American ideal of justice and liberty for all.
Oren ’s civic advocacy spans local to international engagement and he’s emerged as one of the most trusted young Jewish leaders in the progressive movement. With a strong, clear voice in the fight against antisemitism and white supremacy, Oren is known for showing up consistently as an ally and organizing to help build power and change policy, including major victories in the fights for reproductive freedom and criminal justice reform. His professional work spans startups, Fortune 150 companies, non-profits, as well as foreign and economic policy advising. He holds a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Chicago, a Master's in Economics and Policy Analysis from DePaul University, and an MBA from Regis University.
Oren co-founded and now serves as the Co-Executive Director of Men4Choice, an organization that works to activate, educate, and mobilize male allies in the fight for reproductive freedom. In the spirit of deepening understanding, Oren launched Project Shema to help build bridges between the Jewish community and the progressive movement. Previously, Oren served as National Chapter Development Director for the New Leaders Council. Oren helped grow NLC into the largest leadership development organization in the progressive movement, expanding a platform for emerging leaders representing America’s full diversity.
Oren proudly serves on the board of Reform for Illinois, which is leading the effort to combat corruption and reform Illinois’ political system. He’s also a Truman National Security Project Political Partner, the Political Chair of Personal PAC, and sits on the Citizens Action Illinois Policy Council.
Oren lives near Chicago with his wife Betsy, an ER Doctor serving on the front lines of the COVID pandemic, and their dogs, who are named after great champions for justice, Eleanor Roosevelt and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
