The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) works to safeguard the Jewish community by advancing Jewish interests, promoting Jewish values, and advocating on behalf of Jews at home and around the world. 

The JCRC is the primary source of Israel advocacy in Berks County, maintaining dynamic relationships with the local media and elected officials.  The JCRC also coordinates and hosts local and statewide social justice programming.

Here in Reading, our JCRC works very hard to build bridges with other faiths and ethnic groups that share our passion for social justice.  Our JCRC is also a leader and coordinator of the Greater Reading Unity Coalition.  The Coalition forms a working partnership between the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks and the other minority communities in Berks County, including Centro Hispano, the Reading Branch of the NAACP, the LGBT Center of Greater Reading, Bring The Change, the Islamic Center of Reading, the Islamic Society of Berks County, and Alvernia University’s Office of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion.

The JCRC also aims to work in collaboration with our local Jewish institutions to promote events, increase the number of volunteers, and create a more unified and socially aware community.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Reading is part of a national network of JCRCs which fall under the umbrella of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

Please contact Margo Levin at [email protected] if you have any questions, want more information, or would like to be more involved in the work of our JCRC.

The Greater Reading Unity Coalition consists of leaders from the minority communities in Berks County, currently including the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks, the Reading Branch of the NAACP, the LGBT Center of Greater Reading, Bring The Change, the Islamic Center of Reading, the Islamic Society of Berks County, Alvernia University’s Office of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion, and Centro Hispano.  The Coalition was formed in 2016 in response to a rise of hatred and bias motivated incidents, both locally and nationally.  Our goal was, and still is, to teach understanding and tolerance in the hope that education will lead to the elimination of all forms of bigotry.  Everyone is entitled to live free from fear and bias.  Our united efforts aim to promote respect, inclusivity, and civility in our community.  We also celebrate our individual differences, while acknowledging all we have in common.  Our collaborations have included conducting political forums, fighting hate in our county’s public schools and social centers, creating educational opportunities to highlight the value of diversity, and supporting each other when one of our communities comes under attack.  All of these projects have built a stronger and more cohesive Berks County.  We believe that by just sitting at the same table and breaking bread together, the Coalition communicates the importance of unity, acceptance, and friendship. 

Contact information:  Please contact Margo Levin at [email protected] if you have any questions or want more information on the Greater Reading Unity Coalition.