Special to the Ledger

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Gerry Sherman of Ridgefield joined Jewish American leaders from across the country on a mission to Washington, D.C. to lobby members of Congress to do all they can to end violence against women, girls and LGBT people worldwide.

The trip was part of American Jewish World Service’s (AJWS) annual Policy Summit and Lobby Day, was held in the nation’s capital May 11-13. One hundred and thirty five activists from 18 states gathered to participate in the summit, which included panel discussions and workshops on the international social justice issues worked on worldwide by AJWS, the leading Jewish international development and human rights organization.

The Policy Summit and Lobby Day are a part of AJWS’s national advocacy campaign, We Believe, which aims to help end violence against women and girls, stop hate crimes against LGBT people and empower girls to end child marriage. Attendees participated in workshops led by AJWS staff, grantees and key policy experts that explored what the U.S. government is doing – and should be doing – to stand up for the human rights of women, girls and LGBT people around the world.

The Policy Summit culminated with Lobby Day, when activists visited congressmen, urging them to use their power as policymakers to bring about change.

“We cannot stand idly by as the rights of people around the world are being violated,” said Ruth Messinger, president of AJWS. “We must take action and help end violence against women and girls worldwide by passing the International Violence Against Women Act. Our responsibility as American Jews and global citizens implores us to stand up for the inherent dignity of every person, no matter where they live.”