An FJMC Statement in Honor of Juneteenth

Dear Members of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs,

Our tradition calls upon us to not only study Torah but to live it—to be a light unto the nations and to pursue justice in all that we do. As members of FJMC, we recognize that silence in the face of injustice is not an option. Our Jewish values demand that we speak out, that we bear witness, and that we stand alongside those in need.

Whether responding to historic moments, major world events, or the struggles of the marginalized, we affirm our commitment to tzedek (justice), rachamim (compassion), and achrayut (responsibility). We do this for the sake of our shared humanity, upholding our sacred obligation to repair the world—tikkun olam.

FJMC will continue to issue statements and take action when our values call us to do so. We invite you to join us in these efforts, ensuring that our voices, our hands, and our hearts remain engaged in building a just and righteous world.

B’Shalom,
Alan Budman
International President
The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs

An FJMC Statement in Honor of Juneteenth

The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC) proudly joins in commemorating Juneteenth, the annual observance marking June 19, 1865—the day when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. As a sacred milestone in the long journey toward liberation, justice, and equality in the United States, Juneteenth invites all Americans to reflect on our nation’s painful legacy of slavery and to reaffirm our collective responsibility to dismantle racism in all its forms.

As a Jewish men’s organization committed to building inclusive and compassionate communities, FJMC recognizes that the story of Juneteenth resonates deeply with the Jewish narrative of liberation from oppression and the ongoing work of tikkun olam—repairing the world.

We especially honor and uplift the experiences of Jewish-Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and BIPOC men who are part of Jewish families and communities, whose identities often place them at the intersection of racial injustice and spiritual resilience.

We see you. We honor your full identities. We stand with you.

FJMC affirms that liberation is not complete until it is shared by all. This Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to:

Listen to the voices of BIPOC Jews and Jews of Color,
Amplify their leadership, and to
Create spaces where all men—across race, ethnicity, and background—feel safe, seen, and supported.

We pledge to continue this work not just in word, but in action, as we deepen our efforts to build a more just and inclusive Jewish future. You can also make use of this Juneteenth resource list from the Jews of Color Initiative for your own education or to supplement your club’s programming.

May the memory of struggle lead us to greater unity. May the legacy of freedom guide our shared steps forward. Chag Juneteenth Sameach!

In Brotherhood,
The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs