National Council of Jewish Women
2055 L Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20036

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2022 

Media Contact: Sarah Garfinkel, West End Strategy Team 
sgarfinkel@westendstrategy.com; 202-765-4290 

WASHINGTON – National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) CEO Sheila Katz issued the following statement today upon the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. She would fill the vacancy left by Justice Stephen Breyer who will be stepping down at the end of this term.

“Today Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson made history as the first Black woman nominated to the US Supreme Court. Based on National Council of Jewish Women’s criteria of determining whether nominees are fair, independent, and qualified for lifetime tenure on the federal court, including the Supreme Court, NCJW is thrilled to support Judge Jackson’s nomination to the highest court of the land.

“As the only national Jewish organization which actively vets and endorses federal judicial nominees, NCJW follows the guidance of our tradition which affirms the importance of having ethical, unbiased judges like Judge Jackson who will fight for justice for everyone each and every day. Her keen intellect, integrity, background, and lived experience are what we need on the Court.

“NCJW worked in support of Judge Jackson’s confirmation in June 2021 to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, widely considered the second highest court in the country, when she became the first Black woman confirmed to an appellate court in a decade.

“Women — and especially women of color — have long been underrepresented on the federal bench, and there has never been a Black woman on the Supreme Court. Our nation’s highest court should reflect the people it serves. Having diverse experiences and perspectives on the bench allows justices to make better informed decisions, in addition to increasing public confidence in their rulings. 

“Judge Jackson is immensely qualified, fair and independent, long demonstrating a deep commitment to protecting civil rights and ensuring equal access to justice throughout her career. During her tenure as a judge on the United States District Court for the District of DC, Ketanji Brown Jackson supported workers’ rights, accessibility measures for people with disabilities, and funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs. She previously served as a vice chair and commissioner on the US Sentencing Commission, and as a federal public defender. As a former clerk to the retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, it is especially fitting that Judge Jackson would be named to fill Justice Breyer’s seat, carrying out his legacy of protecting and advancing our most cherished rights and freedoms.

“The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of justice, with the power to influence voting rights, reproductive rights, and more, for future generations. NCJW’s 200,000 advocates are eager to work with the Senate to build a more inclusive Supreme Court by quickly confirming Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.”

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 200,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice; and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.