From the JFREJ Board and Staff:

We write to you today, filled with gratitude and respect, to announce the upcoming departure of Dove Kent as Executive Director of Jews For Racial & Economic Justice. At the end of 2016, Dove will be moving to Durham, North Carolina to join her partner in the next chapter of her life. After 5 years at the helm of JFREJ, Dove transitions out of the Executive Director role with the organization immeasurably stronger, more stable, and more vibrant than when she joined us in 2011.

Under Dove's leadership, JFREJ has seen a fourfold increase in its budget, our staff has more than tripled and our dues-paying membership has nearly doubled this year alone. JFREJ's organizing work has been extraordinarily strong and successful. From the passage of the Community Safety Act to this month's historic Jews of Color National Convening, JFREJ's impact continues to increase both in New York and across the nation. In addition, with our ambitious 25th Anniversary Campaign approaching its goal and the completion of a sweeping Strategic Visioning process last year, Dove has built on the previous 20 years of JFREJ’s visionary activism to forge a firm foundation for our future.

JFREJ Board chair Audrey Sasson, says, “Dove’s visionary leadership over the last five years has been transformative. JFREJ’s prominent role today in the growth of a new Jewish movement is palpable, and is thanks to the commitment and grace that Dove has brought to her work. The strategic vision that Dove spearheaded — engaging full participation from our dedicated membership — defines and guides a new era for JFREJ, one which centers the leadership of Jews of Color, Mizrahi Jews, and poor and working class Jews in our collective struggle to end injustice on all fronts. In her role as Director, Dove has prioritized nurturing the resilience of our community to fight for the long haul, all with a spirit of generosity and deep compassion. She has left her mark — with humor and love — and we are all stronger for it.”

“Directing JFREJ has been an extraordinary honor. As I transition out of this role, I remain deeply in love with this community and indebted to all of you. I'll see you in the streets.” — Dove Kent

JFREJ's stability is reflected in the thoughtful and deliberate transition process and Executive Director search that is now beginning. The Board will lead a thorough search which will include JFREJ staff and members, all working together to identify the right candidate to lead JFREJ in the next chapter of our journey. Dove will remain as Executive Director throughout this process to make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible, and will remain closely connected to JFREJ following the transition.

We thank Dove for her years of extraordinary service to our community. Because of her, JFREJ’s future has never been brighter.

We are beginning to collect notes of gratitude and personal reflection for Dove. Please click here to write Dove a note and let her know what her work has meant to you.