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The International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists (IAJLJ) is a democratic organization whose membership is drawn from more than 30 countries. The Association was formed in 1969 in Jerusalem at the First International Congress of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists. That Congress, which named Nobel Prize Laureate and Human Rights Activist René Cassin honorary president and elected former Justice of the United States Supreme Court and United Nations Ambassador Arthur J. Goldberg president, laid the foundation for a distinguished international legal fellowship dedicated to the precepts of Judaism and the rule of law. The new Association's first official act was to publish a ringing condemnation of the brutal and senseless Baghdad hanging of 15 Jewish men without due process. Later years saw the Association acting as an effective advocate for Soviet Jewry, championing repeal of UN Resolution 3379 (which had equated Zionism with racism), and fighting other injustices perpetrated against Jews.
In 1983, the American members of the IAJLJ organized a national affiliate to better pursue the goals of the Association within the United States. The American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists (AAJLJ) is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and the local chapters across the country play a critical role in fulfilling the aims of the Association. Through the AAJLJ members have ties with the thirty other countries represented by the IAJLJ. The AAJLJ also has a professional relationship with the Israel Bar Association.
The AAJLJ represents the American Jewish legal community, defending Jewish interests and human rights in the U.S. and abroad. To fulfill its mission, the AAJLJ:
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works to safeguard the civil and human rights of Jews and others in the U.S. and abroad
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sponsors regular programs featuring speakers and discussions on topical legal issues
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promotes the study of Jewish law and ethics through law school courses, seminars and publications
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assists the IAJLJ in utilizing its official international status as a United Nations Nongovernmental Organization to provide diplomatic and legal assistance to Jews around the world
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publishes the AAJLJ Newsletter designed to keep members abreast of the Association's activities and topical legal subjects
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organizes law oriented missions to Israel
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participates in triennial world Jewish legal congresses in Jerusalem and in annual congresses abroad
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conducts special Jewish-content continuing legal education and other programs including programs and events at annual ABA meetings |
