Jewish World Watch is proud to have such a diverse contingency of member synagogues. The varied ways that we Jews of Southern California chose to associate with and worship is what makes our community strong and vibrant.  We see issues through the prism of Jewish law, tradition and culture – each with a unique perspective. 

But one issue that we all see eye to eye on is that none of us, as individuals or as members of the Jewish community, want to be inadvertently responsible for the violence, death and destruction taking place against the people of Congo.  How are we in Los Angeles connected to atrocities happening almost 9,000 miles away?  The electronic products we use on a daily basis, from our computers to our cell phones, contain minerals that were extracted from “conflict mines” in Congo.  The trade in these conflict minerals funnels hundreds of millions of dollars each year to the armed groups committing atrocities in Congo. 

Many of you have already taken a stand as individuals by taking the “Conflict Mineral Pledge” and adding your names to the thousands we send each month to the top 21 electronic companies.  Together we are showing the electronics industry that a huge market of conscious consumers exists – consumers that will choose to purchase conflict-free products when they become available.

And now, 28 of Jewish World Watch’s member synagogues have added their voices to this movement.   By passing the “Conflict-Free Congregation Resolution”, they are showing the electronics companies that they are putting the considerable purchasing power of their congregations, schools and communities behind the market for conflict-free products.

The Conflict-Free Congregation Resolutions that are passing now lend important backing to the recent legislation on conflict minerals passed as a part of the Dodd-Frank Financial Reform Bill last year.  When the regulations being defined by the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) about conflict minerals become final this April, companies will be required to trace and audit their mineral supply chains. For the first time we will know the source of the minerals in our products. But it will not be illegal to purchase conflict minerals – but showing the electronics industry that we prefer  conflict-free products can add the consumer pressure necessary for them to choose conflict-free mineral sources.

With many thanks to all of our exemplary Conflict-Free Congregations: 

Adat Shalom                                        Stephen S. Wise

B’nai David Judea                                 Temple Ahavat Torah

Bnai Hayim                                          Temple Aliyah

Congregation B’nai Israel                   Temple Beth Am

Congregation Shir Ami                       Temple Beth El, San Pedro

Etz Chayim                                          Temple Beth Hillel

IKAR                                                   Temple Emanuel

Kehillat Israel                                       Temple Isaiah

Kol Ami                                               Temple Israel of Hollywood

Ner Maarav                                          Temple Ramat Zion

Or Ami                                                Temple Sinai of Glendale

Shomrei Torah                                      University Synagogue, Irvine

Sinai Temple                                         Valley Beth Shalom

Don’t see your Congregation?

Get YOUR Congregation to pass the resolution using our easy to follow toolkit.

Conflict-Free Congregations Toolkit