Real change happens on the ground. Our national network equips local leaders with the resources, support, and strategy to confront antisemitism, advocate for the Jewish community, and make a lasting impact in their own cities.
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“I started this organization because I refused to watch Jew-hatred rise unchecked in our city. Enough is enough—we fight back with action, not silence.”
Join The Fight, Follow Our Lead
Discover how the American Jewish Alliance is making a difference through advocacy, education, and community action.
Meet our Board
Dr. Charles Jacobs is a journalist and veteran social activist named one of America's top 50 Jewish leaders by The Forward. Over four decades, he has founded or co-founded several groundbreaking human rights and pro-Israel organizations, including CAMERA-Boston, the American Anti-Slavery Group, The David Project, Americans for Peace and Tolerance, and The African-Jewish Alliance. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Jerusalem Post, and on CNN, Fox News, NPR, and PBS. Best known for helping liberate Black jihad slaves in Sudan—a mission that earned him the Boston Freedom Award from Coretta Scott King—Jacobs continues to be a leading voice on human rights, antisemitism, and support for Israel.
Richard Magid is the Founder and President of Soundboard Consulting Group, where for more than 26 years he has advised entrepreneurs, CEOs, executive teams, and emerging leaders on leadership, organizational strategy, culture, and long-term growth. After a successful 20-year career in the financial services industry, Richard launched the firm in 2000 with a clear purpose: to build a business aligned with his core values of impact, respect, curiosity, freedom, collaboration, and community. Since then, he has delivered more than 35,000 hours of executive coaching, facilitation, and leadership development, helping thousands of leaders strengthen their organizations while leading more purposeful and fulfilling lives.
Richard's experience extends beyond consulting into entrepreneurship, venture investing, and nonprofit governance. As Co-Founder of the Soundboard Angel Fund and General Partner of the Soundboard Venture Fund, he has invested in and advised early-stage companies, partnering with founders to build innovative, high-growth businesses. He has also served on corporate and nonprofit boards, bringing expertise in strategic planning, governance, fundraising, leadership development, organizational growth, and long-term value creation. He is known for helping organizations translate bold ideas into clear strategy while fostering collaboration, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making.
Giving back has been a defining theme throughout Richard's career. In 2025, he founded the Soundboard Impact Foundation to help close the resource gap facing young changemakers around the world through grants, scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and access to a global network of experienced leaders. His work reflects a deep belief that investing in people—particularly young leaders with the passion and courage to serve their communities—is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting social impact and strengthen future generations.
Richard believes that leadership is ultimately measured not by personal success, but by the opportunities we create for others to grow and succeed. Whether serving in the boardroom, coaching executives, mentoring entrepreneurs, or supporting nonprofit organizations, he is passionate about helping mission-driven leaders build organizations that are financially sustainable, values-driven, and capable of creating meaningful, lasting impact.
Pamela Scheinman lived in a Boston suburb for 28 years prior to moving to Chicago in 2021. She served as Chairperson of her Synagogue’s Israel Action Committee in Newton, MA, for many years, and was a board member of a grass roots pro-Israel organization, BIAC (Boston Israel Action Committee) for several years.
Scheinman organized and attended pro-Israel responses to many anti- Israel events in the Boston area. She feels it’s essential to stand up in the public square as a proud Jew and speak out against the lies and modern-day blood libels leveled against the one tiny Jewish State on the planet.
After moving to Chicago in 2021, Scheinman started an Israel Action Committee at her downtown Chicago synagogue with the goal of making Israel advocacy a priority for many members. She was the sole anti-ceasefire resolution speaker (selected by lottery), January 2024, at Chicago City Hall (comments at 1:02:00) and was again selected by lottery to speak at Chicago City Hall in September 2024 (comments at 51:52) requesting the Council sign on to an anti- slavery/ anti- jihad bill sponsored by Alderman Raymond Lopez. Scheinman was instrumental in presenting that bill to Alderman Raymond Lopez who then agreed to champion it at Chicago City Hall. The anti-present-day-slavery/ anti-jihad bill, modified slightly by the Health and Human Relations committee, was approved by Chicago City Council in February 2025.
Scheinman feels strongly that “Kol Yisrael Arevim Ze Lazeh”-- all the Jewish people are responsible for one another. She also firmly believes we need to follow Rabbi Tarfon’s words of wisdom from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)– “it’s not your job to finish the work but you are not at liberty to neglect it.”
Scheinman joined the board of Chicago Jewish Alliance in October 2025 as their goals so closely align with her advocacy goals and values.
Simona Bogode is a dedicated community leader, fierce advocate, and proud Jewish mama bear. As Chief Operating Officer of the American Jewish Alliance, she brings fiery passion and sharp logic to every initiative, driving strategic efforts that strengthen Jewish life, build interfaith bridges, and confront antisemitism head-on through education, advocacy, and bold grassroots action. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that vibrant, unapologetic Jewish communities are essential for a safer and more inclusive future.
A Soviet immigrant from Riga and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Simona is the daughter of a Ukrainian mother. Shaped by these experiences, she grew up understanding both the dangers of communism and the enduring threat of Jew-hatred — forging in her a deep commitment to vigilance, resilience, and protecting the next generation.
Known for her powerful voice, Simona has spoken at City Hall on rising antisemitism, the safety of Jewish students in schools, and the urgent need for genuine official accountability. A proud resident of Chicago’s 49th Ward with strong North Shore roots, she channels her fierce determination and clear-eyed logic into meaningful community impact.
Simona lives in Chicago with her husband and their three children. She draws profound strength from Jewish traditions, family life, and the everyday courage of standing visibly and unapologetically Jewish.
Daniel Schwartz, drawing inspiration from his family's legacy as Holocaust survivors, champions Zionism with a fiery commitment that resonates throughout the Chicagoland Jewish community. As the point person for meetings with elected and government officials, he plays a key role in advocating for community needs. Daniel is on a relentless mission to illuminate the stark injustices faced by the Jewish community—from students to business owners and seniors living in fear of rising antisemitism. He fights against hate, not only providing support but igniting a movement for justice that empowers the Jewish community to stand strong against adversity.
Active Initiatives