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 justice, reparations, voting and civil rights, criminal justice reform, the death penalty, campaign finance reform, civil liberties, and judicial nominations.  

Voting rights signs at Capitol
Voting Rights

Expanding and Protecting Voting Rights in 2022

Israel Harris
Last week, a narrow majority of Senators failed to protect Americans' voting rights. We are deeply disappointed by Senators' failure to make the necessary reform to the outdated filibuster that prevented the passage of the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. This bill would have modernized the preclearance formula of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and established national standards for federal elections.
RAC march
Voting Rights

2021 is Almost Over: Congress Must Act Before the New Year

Lillie Heyman
Israel Harris
We are in a time of great crisis, facing pandemics of systemic racism, poverty, climate change, voter suppression and COVID-19. Millions of Americans experience unemployment, hunger, and housing insecurity, facing the threat of climate change daily. People of Color and other marginalized communities experience the most adverse consequences. And the country continues to face endless attacks on our voting rights and reproductive rights. Before Congress breaks for their winter recess, there is much left to be done.
RAC March in DC
Eisendrath Legislative Assistants

Jewish Social Justice as a Jew of Color Legislative Assistant

Israel Harris
I have always felt a strong sense of family when in Jewish spaces. Yet, my life experience has taught me that it is through the encounters with people of different backgrounds who have unique stories that the direction we take is shaped. This idea has helped me to no longer ask about what I deserve in life, but rather how I can use my privilege to give back to others. The same drive is what led me to apply to the Eisendrath Legislative Assistant Fellowship at the Religious Action Center - a unique opportunity to make a difference not many people believe is possible.