Israel Harris

Israel Harris

Israel Harris (he/him) grew up in Bellevue, WA as a member of the Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation. He graduated New York University with a BFA in Dance, and a double minor in Psychology and Hebrew and Judaic Studies. He completed the Jewish Learning Fellowship at the NYU Bronfman Center, and was selected for the Second Avenue Dance Company’s “Investigate the WE” social advocacy concert, establishing a social outreach program to promote greater knowledge and safety for the New York Jewish community. He continues to work at the intersection of art and activism, and participated in the WADEintoACTIVISM 16-Day virtual festival as part of the UNiTe to End Violence against Women campaign organized by the UN. Israel furthered his social advocacy work by being among the first team members at the July Third Foundation, a nonprofit organization working for Reparations for Black Americans.  

Israel is proud to be in the first cohort of the Jews of Color Initiative at the RAC. His legislative portfolio includes racial justicereparationsvoting and civil rightscriminal justice reform, the death penalty, campaign finance reformcivil liberties, and judicial nominations.  

This Week is Disability Voting Rights Week!

Lillie Heyman
Israel Harris
September began National Voter Registration Month and this week is Disability Voting Rights Week! This week is a national, nonpartisan initiative dedicated to building the power and presence of the disability vote by getting people with disabilities registered and ready to vote, and spearheading voter education and community engagement opportunities, and more!

Year One Reflection: The First Jews of Color Cohort

Israel Harris
As the Racial Justice LA, my work is rooted in my belief systems and experiences as a JOC. Not only do I get to be the person I never saw growing up, but I hope to help create more opportunities for those like me in the future. And as I finish up my first year at the RAC, I am eager to make my mark as I continue my work for another year to advocate to end the death penalty, pass legislation to study reparations for Black Americans, expand and protect the right to vote for all as we approach the primaries, and push for true policing reform. Those who are disproportionately harmed by these issues don’t have the benefit of growing up in communities who claim to be color blind. The world sees and treats us differently.