The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has played a leadership role in the field of interreligious and interethnic work for almost a century. Fundamental to AJC's mission has been the belief that the security and well-being of the Jewish community is connected to that of all groups in America. Supporting democracy and pluralism, promoting intergroup relations to achieve social harmony and cohesion, and building coalitions to advance shared interests, have always been the central focus of our intergroup work. AJC has long held that this is how best to serve the interwoven interests of the nation and of American Jews.

AJC is deeply committed to sustaining support for Israel at a critical time in its history, combating new expressions of anti-Semitism, countering terrorism, strengthening democratic values and maintaining a balance between cherished civil liberties and valid national security concerns in the wake of 9/11. America has been buffeted by large political events and therefore the intergroup landscape is far more complex than it was a couple of decades ago. The dramatic demographic change of the past few decades, not only in numbers but also in the national origin of the newer immigrants (Latin America, Asia and Africa), has significantly altered the ethnic composition of America.

These urgent concerns are set against the fact that while the absolute number of Jews has remained the same for several decades; our numbers are diminishing in relation to other groups in America. It is also a time when we must be able to assert our Jewish communal concerns front and center, while retaining a firm commitment to a diverse, inclusive and just America for all its inhabitants. To do so effectively we must build partnerships, coalitions and alliances that leverage our individual group strengths and promote common concerns.

The work of the Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Center for American Pluralism is to strengthen and nurture those relationships nationally and support the work of the chapters locally, develop an understanding of each others' histories and concerns, and identify a shared agenda that will further our issues. We are part of the Domestic Policy Department, an affirmation of our role in promoting a vital advocacy agenda with our ethnic partners.

The Center works closely with AJC's Department of Interreligious Affairs on the premise that individual and group identity cannot be limited to either ethnicity or religion. We share the goals of building mutual understanding and strengthening relationships, and of defending the Jewish people. Jointly we have launched Engaging America, an exciting new multi-year project conducted in AJC chapters around the country. It comprises a multi-faceted program of training in leadership, advocacy and coalition-building, backed by a virtual resource library that will provide in-depth knowledge and information for effective interethnic and interreligious work. Leaders are encouraged to represent Jewish and American concerns from the perspective of Jewish values, life and history.