This collection includes a selection of writings and videos about Robert Bank to showcase his insights and perspectives about global justice, human rights, Jewish values and much more.
Robert Bank
Get to know Robert Bank! Robert joined AJWS in 2009 as our Executive Vice President. As of July 1, 2016, Robert became the President and CEO of AJWS.
Robert Bank’s must-reads for the summer
This summer reading list features recommendations from the AJWS community. Though the storylines span different…
In the Fight for Climate Justice, David Can Beat Goliath
In the coming days, representatives from more than 190 countries will descend on Sharm El-Sheik,…
My Must-Reads for the Summer
I confess that I have a book problem. Even though many have taken to audiobooks and…
Pride in the Face of Prejudice
Last month, the world lost a transformational giant in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Urvashi Vaid…
Writing the Wrongs: Why Journalists Give Me Hope
A few weeks ago, I woke up to news that filled me with hope. After…
My Chanukah & holiday book list
As we enter the second winter holiday season in our changed world, I’m thankful for…
Global Vaccine Equity: To Save a Life is to Save a World
Like you, I wish that by now we could say we are freed from the…
My thoughts for the New Year
During my beautiful – smaller this year because of COVID-19 – Rosh Hashanah celebration with…
“The More They Crack Down, The More We Fight Back”
With July 4th approaching, I am writing to affirm that securing the promise of democracy…
I’m Ready, Are You?
I have to admit, I am breathing easier. I am feeling hopeful after hearing President…
Next steps for foreign policy
President-elect Joe Biden promises to cooperate with our allies on economic, political and environmental issues that span…
What Biden’s win means for us
Minutes ago, an historic and hard-fought presidential election was called, and I am writing today to…
Defending American Democracy
I am writing you, a friend of AJWS, at this unsettling moment in our lives,…
My Summer Reading List
You, the members of the AJWS community, are some of my favorite thought partners, and…
A Time to Mourn. A Time to Act.
By now, all of us are haunted by the image of a Black man, George…
Statement of Robert Bank, President and CEO of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), on the Murder of George Floyd and the Crisis of Structural Racism in the United States
Leader of global, Jewish human rights group calls on all sectors of American society to…
Just Married
I am delighted to share with you, my AJWS friends, that I got married at…
Gratitude to People Who Live Close to the Earth
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving at a time of climate crisis, I am pausing…
Hope Grows for the Ogiek People
“The forest is our heart!” Those beautiful words gave me chills when a village elder…
My Summer List: Read, Watch & Listen with Me
This summer, when so much of the world is riven by divisive politics and hostility,…
The tragedy this weekend
Dear AJWS Community, I am writing to connect with you in the wake of this…
The Fierce Urgency of Now
Keeping MLK’s legacy alive in our work for justice today Today is the one day…
WATCH: Living Our Jewish Values in Difficult Times
From Temple Emanu-El’s magnificent bima, Robert spoke about our shared obligation to live our Jewish…
Get to Know Our President & CEO on the “It’s Who You Know” Podcast
We’re thrilled that Michelle Malkin chose to interview Robert for her podcast, “It’s Who You…
My Social Justice Heroes: Why I support courageous human rights defenders around the world
Over and over in my travels throughout the 19 countries where AJWS works in Africa,…
The Four Principles of Venture Funding
An entrepreneur is a person with an idea, whether that idea launches a tech startup…
Defending Human Rights in the Age of Trump
Tragically, the Trump administration is encouraging authoritarian leaders around the world to indulge their baser…
Historic Victory for LGBTQI+ Rights in India
I am elated today because our grantee partners in India have achieved an historic victory…
Awaken! Shofars Around the World Are Calling for Justice: A High Holidays Reflection
The Torah teaches: “If you see a donkey of someone you hate struggling with its…
Heading to the Mexican Border
This week, I’m heading to the border. I’m going because this summer I’ve felt devastated…
Five Ways Harvey Milk Inspires My Work for Social Justice Today
It is difficult to imagine the contours of my life without the influence of one…
The Revolution Must Include Boys: Young Men Learn to be Allies for Gender Equality in India
Watching girls and boys, men and women, striving together for gender equality in India gave…
United, We Demand Justice for the Rohingya People
In a time marked by divisiveness and disagreement in our country and within the American…
Why I’m hopeful
As 2017 draws to a close, I know how easy it is to feel the…
My Jewish Responsibility to Help the Rohingya People
I have been haunted for weeks by a photo of a Rohingya woman mourning her…
My Summer Reading (and Listening) Diet
One of the things I love most about summer is the opportunity to dive into…
Charlottesville On My Mind
“There is no future without a past.” Crafted by American novelist and poet Siri Hustvedt,…
In Every Generation, Change is Possible
As Passover approaches, I am contemplating the ancient Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom and thinking about the journeys that lie ahead of us...
In the age of Trump, our work is more important than ever
My world is abuzz. I know yours is, too. Like millions of other Americans, I…
Different is not dangerous
When Donald Trump, Jr. callously compared Syrian refugees to poisoned pieces of Skittles, he further…
What I am Learning about Climate Justice from Activists in Burma, Guatemala and Mexico
Earlier this year, we heard that our long-time grantee Berta Cáceres, an indigenous Honduran environmental…
Mazel Tov to our new President and CEO, Robert Bank!
We are wishing a special Mazel Tov to Robert Bank, who officially assumed the role…
Bio of Robert Bank
Robert Bank, currently the executive vice president of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), will be…
For LGBT Pride, I’m Fighting for a Human Rights Movement for Everyone
This past weekend, I marched with AJWS staff and supporters in New York City’s Pride…
Robert Asks Supporters “What’s Jewish about AJWS?”
As Jewish American Heritage Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the achievements of American…
A Call for an Inclusive AIDS Conference
U.N. Decision to Exclude Organizations Representing Most At-Risk Populations from the U.N. AIDS Conference Is…
A Call for the Government of Myanmar to Recognize the Rohingya
Rights of Muslim Minority Won’t Be Honored if its Existence is Denied Statement by Robert…
Remembering the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
Being a Jewish advocate for human rights is especially poignant for me on April 19th,…
Interview with Robert Bank and Ruth Messinger
Ruth Messinger was one of New York City’s most prominent politicians in the 1980s and…
Demanding Justice for Assassinated Human Rights Activists in Honduras
In Honduras, ongoing violence and repression have reached new heights with two murders in two…
AJWS Commends State Department Release of United States Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls
American Jewish World Service, the leading Jewish international development and human rights organization, commends the…
A new leader to take over AJWS global activities
After 17 fruitful years serving as president of American Jewish World Service, Ruth Messinger will…
AJWS Mourns the Death of Murdered Honduran Human Rights Activist Berta Cáceres
American Jewish World Service mourns the tragic loss of Berta Cáceres, a veteran human rights…
Robert’s Reflections on Cambodia
“Because I remember, I despair. Because I remember, I have the duty to reject despair.”…
#InequalityIs: A Video Message from AJWS Future President Robert Bank
Taking Up The Torch At AJWS
American Jewish World Service, the 30-year-old nonprofit organization that supports human rights and anti-poverty activism…
With marriage equality won, it’s time to turn to LGBT rights abroad
Back in New York City in the 1980s, AIDS, death and discrimination defined my life…
Making History for LGBT People Around the World
The headlines from almost every corner of the globe in the past few weeks have…
Global Pride: Celebrating LGBT Activists Around the World
Originally published in Out Magazine. Lesbian couple Pen Nol, left, and Chhon Nhoeng, live together…
For Eddie: I Am Keeping My Promise
Twenty-two years ago, I made a promise that has shaped my life and my work…
Reflections on Food Access in India – A Podcast with Robert Bank
Today’s New York Times article about India’s “paradox of plenty” is a painful reminder that…
Supporting Gay Ugandans
“Gay and Vilified in Uganda,” by Frank Mugisha (Op-Ed, Dec. 23), reminded me that the…
“From Jewish Professional to Professional Jew”
After working for over twenty years on a variety of social justice issues in the…