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Community Relations Council merger approved

January 28th, 2010

At its January 19 meeting, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation board of directors voted unanimously to approve the merger of the Milwaukee Jewish Council for Community Relations as a core function of the federation.  

According to a memo of understanding between MJCCR and the MJF, as well as statements made at the meeting by a joint workgroup, MJCCR will continue its public affairs, advocacy, interfaith and outreach work within the federation structure.

The director will serve on the federation’s management team. 

It was announced at the meeting that work on the merger will begin immediately, with a goal of completion by March 1.  

MJCCR President Judy Kristal, who seconded the motion for the merger, said, “The council dates back to the 1930s as an independent entity, so it took time for MJCCR leadership and board members to process these changes.  MJCCR’s work is very important to the community, and it is the hope of the council that, as a core function of federation, this work will be supported and strengthened.”

Keith Lindenbaum, chair of the workgroup and a vice president of the MJF, as well as a past president of the MJCCR, believes that the change will be positive.

“We value MJCCR’s essential, proactive work in nurturing relationships in the community. We believe that infrastructure and other types of collaborative support from federation will enhance these efforts.” 

MJCCR executive director Paula Simon retired on Aug. 31, 2009, and Kathy Heilbronner has since served as interim executive director.