Three Nation Umbrella Org. to Aid Jewish Prison Inmates, Families

National "Jewish Press"/April 1986

Convened by B'nai B'rith International, a group of organizations and individuals from the United States, Canada and Israel this week established the Coalition for Jewish Prisoner Services, an umbrella organization designed to coordinate and further the activities of those providing assistance to Jewish prison inmates and their families before, during and after the inmates' imprisonment.

Some 50 participants in the first National Conference on Service to Jews in Prison elected Rick Ross, coordinator of Jewish Prisoner Services of the Jewish Family and Children's Service of Phoenix, Ariz., as chairman.

Describing the purpose of the new organization, Ross pointed out that Jewish prisoners include women and juveniles as well as men. "Every age and socio-economic group is affected," he said. Likewise, for every prisoner incarcerated, family members, relatives and friends are also affected."

Ross stated that although there are no formal statistics, there are an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 Jewish prisoners in the United States and some 5,000 in Israel. While some services are being provided to them, he said, "there is an enormous void that must be dealt with."

Ross said many Jewish communities still need to be informed of prisoner problems. "Our initial objective is to educate those communities in order to get all major Jewish organizations in the United States, Canada and Israel involved in our Coalition."

Ross, a former business executive who switched professions after he first became involved with Jewish prisoners, said, "Jewish prisoners need hope and affirmation of their Jewishness and heritage.

"The redemptive and rehabilitation success that can be achieved through our faith for Jews held in prison is of vital importance."

The Coalition was represented by rabbis of all denominations; Jewish organizations such as B'nai B'rith and the Jewish Big Brothers and Big Sisters; synagogues, congregations, Jewish community centers; prison chaplains; prison aid groups and individual volunteers and prisoner family members. Among the goals they set are:

•0 Protect individuals rights of conscience, particularly religion, of Jews in the penal system.

Improve communication among individuals and groups working on behalf of Jewish prisoners in the United States, Canada, and Israel.

Increase the awareness and involvement by the Jewish community-at-large regarding Jewish prisoner services before, during and after incarnation.

Monitor the ongoing situation of Jews in the penal system and identify current issues of concern.

Ross indicated that the Coalition would seek both immediate and long-range funding to administer its operation. In the meantime, he said, the group would ask B'nai B'rith to continue to provide staff and administrative support.