American Jewish Committee

About the author

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) is one of the oldest and most influential Jewish advocacy organizations in the United States. Founded in 1906, it arose in response to widespread anti-Semitic violence abroad and rising social pressures faced by Jewish communities at home. From its inception, the AJC has positioned itself as a defender of civil liberties, human rights, and interfaith cooperation. Rooted in values of justice, tolerance, and cultural pluralism, it champions policy reforms and diplomatic engagement to protect the rights of Jews worldwide, while also pursuing broader societal progress that transcends any single religious or ethnic group.

Early in its history, the AJC concentrated on advocating for Jewish refugees and immigrants fleeing persecution, helping shape U.S. immigration policies and galvanizing public opinion against pogroms in Eastern Europe. But it simultaneously recognized the importance of assimilation tempered by the preservation of cultural identity. Through legal briefs, congressional testimonies, and public-information campaigns, the Committee aimed to establish that Jewish Americans deserved the full protection of constitutional rights—a focus that prefigured later civil-rights battles for other marginalized groups.

As the 20th century progressed, the AJC’s scope expanded further. Recognizing that prejudice takes many forms, the organization joined coalitions supporting African American civil rights and allied with Catholic and Protestant leaders to foster interfaith respect. By sponsoring educational initiatives in schools, it worked to dispel stereotypes, promote cultural exchange, and encourage historical accuracy in textbooks. Parallel to these domestic efforts, the AJC monitored international developments, advocating for Jewish communities across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Notably, it was active in supporting the creation of Israel while also maintaining ties with governments and international bodies to seek diplomatic resolutions to broader Middle East conflicts.

Throughout its evolution, the AJC has maintained a robust research arm, producing influential studies on topics like anti-Semitism, hate crimes, and extremist ideologies. These inquiries feed into the group’s advocacy strategies, guiding public policy recommendations and partnerships with civic institutions. The organization’s hallmark approach remains one of measured, constructive engagement: rather than purely confrontational tactics, it emphasizes negotiation, legal recourse, and alliance-building, reflecting a confidence that dialogue and shared values can dismantle ingrained biases. This stance has enabled the AJC to endure as a respected voice among policymakers, thought leaders, and humanitarian groups, championing a vision of society where religious freedom and cultural expression thrive under the rule of law and mutual respect.