National Conference on Soviet Jewry

Overview

The National Conference on Soviet Jewry (NCSJ) is a prominent American nonprofit organization established in June 1971. It was formed as a result of the reorganization of the American Jewish Conference on Soviet Jewry (AJCSJ). The NCSJ is dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of Jews in the former Soviet Union and to promoting awareness and action regarding anti-Semitism and Jewish issues in that region.

History

The roots of the NCSJ can be traced back to the early 1960s when prominent Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, initiated efforts to address the plight of Soviet Jews. The comprehensive foundation for the NCSJ was laid during a pivotal gathering in April 1964 at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. This meeting, attended by various Jewish organizational leaders, aimed to articulate the community's concerns for Soviet Jewry and mobilize support among Americans, particularly through legislative avenues and public awareness campaigns[1][3].

Despite initial resistance from some established organizations within the Jewish community, the need for a dedicated advocacy group became increasingly clear as attention grew toward the discrimination faced by Soviet Jews. The NCSJ was officially established to unify various efforts and provide a coordinated approach to this humanitarian crisis, effectively functioning alongside grassroots organizations like the Union of Councils for Soviet Jewry and the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry[2][4].

Activities and Achievements

The NCSJ played a central role in the Soviet Jewry movement, which was characterized by a commitment to human rights and the right of Jews to emigrate from the Soviet Union. The organization mobilized a vast network of support across the United States, engaging over 50 national Jewish organizations and hundreds of local federations. This extensive coalition was instrumental in spearheading advocacy campaigns for Soviet Jews over the subsequent two decades[1][2].

Some of the key activities and strategies employed by the NCSJ included:

• Grassroots Activism: The organization stimulated local community involvement through events, letter-writing campaigns, and demonstrations, making the cause personal and urgent for communities across the country.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: NCSJ became more aggressive in its outreach to national media and policymakers. It consistently sought to keep the issue of Soviet Jewry in the public eye and to encourage congressional action to address anti-Jewish restrictions in the Soviet Union[1][4].

• Facilitating Communication: The NCSJ established links with Soviet Jewish activists, fostering communication through visits, telephone calls, and letters to enhance solidarity and support for individuals facing oppression[1][3].

As the Soviet Union began to collapse in the late 1980s, the NCSJ's efforts contributed significantly to the eventual easing of restrictions on Jewish emigration. The organization was pivotal in advocating for the rights of those seeking to leave the Soviet Union and played a crucial role in raising awareness about their struggles.

Legacy and Current Impact

Today, the NCSJ continues to address challenges faced by Jewish communities in the post-Soviet space while promoting human rights and advocating against anti-Semitism. The organization remains committed to fostering relationships between American Jewish communities and their counterparts in Eastern Europe and ensuring that the history and legacy of the Soviet Jewry movement are preserved and taught to future generations.