Ann Schaffer to Head Intergroup Relations Efforts as Director of AJC's Belfer Center for American Pluralism

American Jewish Committee
Thursday, 14 September 2000

Ann Schaffer has been appointed Director of AJC's Arthur & Rochelle Belfer Center for American Pluralism.

AJC's Belfer Center works to promote cooperation among America's diverse ethnic, racial and religious groups. Premier innovative programs of the Center include Hands Across the Campus, a tolerance promotion curriculum implemented in high schools and middle schools across the country; and educational seminars to Israel for ethnic community leaders through AJC's Project Interchange.

"I am excited about this opportunity to enhance AJC's leadership in building strong intergroup relations. As a naturalized citizen, growing up in a country divided by race, I am deeply and passionately committed to being an advocate for pluralism in America," says Mrs. Schaffer.

Mrs. Schaffer, who was born in Zimbabwe, moved with her husband to the U.S. 33 years ago. They became citizens in 1978.

Mrs. Schaffer has served as executive director of AJC's Westchester chapter since 1993, initiating pioneering programs to foster interethnic and interreligious relations. As the coordinator of the Coalition for Human Rights, Mrs. Schaffer helped lead over 50 organizations in establishing a Westchester Human Rights Commission in 1999.

"Ann has excelled in the area of intergroup relations and human rights, making an enormous contribution to the Westchester community," said Shula Bahat, associate executive director of the American Jewish Committee. "

"Mrs. Schaffer's dedication to advancing pluralism in America will further enhance AJC's leading work in coalition-building and intergroup relations," said Bruce M. Ramer, president of the American Jewish Committee.

Since 1993, Mrs. Schaffer has served on the boards of the Westchester Coalition Against Bigotry, the Martin Luther King Jr. Institute for Non-Violence, the Westchester Women's Agenda, the Westchester Coalition for Legal Abortion, the Gun Control Coalition and the Westchester College Project for Racial Diversity.

Mrs. Schaffer has received prestigious community awards from the Westchester Divisions of the National Association of Social Workers and the NY Civil Liberties Union and was named Woman of the Year by the Women's Equality Day Committee.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org