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Strength Through Unity: Why the FJMC’s Voice Matters at the UN
05
Aug
Aug
By Steven Mandel MD and Daniel Gross
What does it mean for a Jewish men’s organization to have a voice at the United Nations?
For FJMC International, a proud NGO associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), it means embodying the principle of Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh—all of Israel is responsible for one another—on the global stage.
FJMC, a cornerstone of the Conservative Movement, now finds itself uniquely positioned to amplify Jewish values, promote men’s health, engage in interfaith dialogue, and drive forward innovation like AI, all through our recognized NGO role. And as our world grows more interconnected and complex, so too must the role of Jewish men evolve—anchored in tradition, but with our eyes firmly on the future.
A Legacy of Engagement and Education
FJMC was founded in 1929 in response to a growing need: American Jewish men were drifting from synagogue life, and the synagogue risked becoming solely a house of worship rather than a center for study, community, and action.
Under the leadership of visionaries like Edwin C. Weintraub and Theodore Charnas, and bolstered by the support of Jewish Theological Seminary presidents like Solomon Schechter and Louis Finkelstein, the FJMC bridged that void. Our mission: to strengthen the role of men in synagogue and Jewish communal life. This mission extended into adult education, spiritual enrichment, youth mentorship, and, now, international advocacy.
Through publications like The TORCH, national programs, and lay leadership training, the FJMC not only cultivated Jewish identity but built a lasting infrastructure that reached every corner of North America.
Why Should a Jewish Men’s Club Be Involved at the UN?
The United Nations is not just a political arena—it is a humanitarian and ethical one. Through the DGC, the UN fosters dialogue among cultures, religions, and nations to promote peace, human rights, and sustainable development. These are not abstract ideals; they are actionable commitments, and they align deeply with our own values.
Our involvement allows us to:
– Advocate for Israel, especially in nuanced forums where a Jewish voice is critical.
– Defend religious freedom and human rights, rooted in Jewish moral teachings.
– Support mental and physical health initiatives that impact men, families, and communities worldwide.
– Build bridges with other faith-based organizations, fostering mutual respect and deeper understanding.
– Support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including education, peace, gender equality, and public health.
Our UN Participation: Action, Not Symbolism
As an NGO, we do not vote, but we do speak. We submit statements, participate in conferences, lobby diplomatic missions, and build lasting coalitions. We organize speakers, create educational materials, and report back to our community with insights, actions, and opportunities.
In recent years, health-related topics—especially mental health and men’s wellness—have become increasingly visible within the UN framework. The FJMC, as both a faith-based and gender-based organization, has a unique voice in this space.
AI, Innovation, and Jewish Values: A New Frontier
As the FJMC’s representative for AI and digital strategy, I (Daniel Gross) see this UN status as more than honorary. It is an open channel through which we can integrate ethical AI into Jewish communal life.
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionize how we engage, learn, and serve. Imagine AI-powered Torah study, digital health tools for aging Jewish men, or automated systems that ensure our communities are safer, more inclusive, and more responsive.
This is also a feedback loop. By reporting back from the UN to our synagogues and clubs, we keep our membership informed, inspired, and connected to international Jewish life.
Building the Future—With Gratitude and Purpose
Dr. Steve Mandel often reminds us that showing up at the UN isn’t about prestige—it’s about presence. It’s about “showing up, consistently, courageously, and with conviction.”
Our voice matters. Our stories matter. And our work—on the bimah, in the community, and now at the UN—matters.
Next Steps and Call to Action
– Connect your Men’s Club to FJMC’s UN communications.
– Attend a UN-affiliated event or speaker series hosted by the FJMC.
– Begin a local initiative tied to one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
– Use AI ethically to improve Men’s Club programming—ask us how.
– Help us amplify our voice by sharing this article and getting involved.
Let the work of Jewish men be known not just in our sanctuaries, but in the world. From the pages of our sacred texts to the halls of the United Nations—we will be heard.
