NEW YORK—The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., are joining forces to raise awareness about human trafficking during January, which is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The two national groups are kicking off their first-time partnership with a Jewish Community Day of Social Action to raise awareness about human trafficking on Tuesday, January 13. The day will include a Twitter Storm from 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST to #EndHumanTrafficking.

This effort is designed to raise a collective Jewish voice during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, both nationwide and as a way to energize grassroots involvement. The Jewish Community Day of Social Action seeks to engage thousands in the Jewish community to speak out about the commercial and sexual exploitation of men, women, and children in the United States, and urge policymakers and grassroots activists to do their part to end human trafficking.

“We are honored to work with the National Council of Jewish Women to raise awareness of the persistent problem of human trafficking in the United States and empower the Jewish community and others to fight back,” said Janice Weinman, Executive Director and CEO of Hadassah. “Trafficking is a scourge that affects every city and community in the U.S., and women and minors are the most vulnerable. Combating trafficking is something that must happen at the national, state and local levels, and we are pleased to activate our members and others in the Jewish community with the resources to highlight this issue utilizing social media.”

NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman, added, “NCJW is thrilled to join with Hadassah and the larger American Jewish community to help educate lawmakers and community members about what is the worst form of modern-day slavery,” said. “Utilizing social media, we can reach broader audiences and activate the Jewish community in a meaningful way in the unfortunate absence of federal legislation. We look forward to our work ahead in the states to pass legislation recognizing trafficked children as victims, not criminals; removing convictions for crimes committed while being trafficked; and requiring mandatory posting of the national trafficking hotline in certain business; and in the 114th Congress to ensure funding for data collection and services as well as reforms to the child welfare system.”

The National Council for Jewish Women and Hadassah created a social media tool kit to encourage, support, and mobilize the greater Jewish community. The Jewish Day of Action will include a social media awareness campaign and Twitter Storm featuring both organizations’ leadership, experts on trafficking prevention and policy, and community members. In addition, members of both organizations are offering community awareness and educational programs, as well as advocacy opportunities, across the United States throughout the entire month of January.

For more information about human trafficking, please visit my.hadassah.org and www.ncjw.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.