Interview with Janis Zaremba, JCRC Law Enforcement Liaison

At the Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is a volunteer committee that works to fight antisemitism and build relationships between the Federation and the wider community.  We talked with JCRC Law Enforcement Liaison Janis Zaremba to learn more about her work with JCRC.

Q: How long have you been in Raleigh, and what brought you here?

My husband John and I have been in Raleigh for 26 years.  We came here for his job.  I’ve during that time, I have been very involved at our synagogue, Beth Meyer, where I was on the board of the synagogue.

Q: What inspired you to join JCRC?

I was having casual conversations with [JCRC Chair] Judah Segal over the years, and he suggested being on JCRC.  I enjoy building relationships with people and organizations, so it seemed like a good fit and I was looking forward to something new. People hear about JCRC when we put out statements in response to news events, but we do a lot of behind-the-scenes, proactive work too.  That’s what I handle.

Q: What do you do as law enforcement liaison?

I reach out to all the law enforcement agencies in the county to provide information about Judaism and the Jewish community. For example, we met with Chief Estella Patterson of the Raleigh Police Department.  I gave them a packet explaining important Jewish holidays, what antisemitism is, and other information that would be helpful for the police to know. I talked to them about how the Federation wants to be in contact on an ongoing basis and help support their mission statements.  I also work to bring together the safety coordinator volunteers from each synagogue so we can learn from each other.

Q: Is there anything that’s surprised you?

I’ve been really pleased with the interest that law enforcement has shown, and how sincere they are about partnering in the future. We want to show that we are a great fit to work with them, and we want to do it when there isn’t an emergency going on—as the saying goes, the right time to meet your neighbor is not when your house is on fire.

Q: What do you hope to see happen with JCRC in the future?

I’d like to see us get more recognition and grow participation.  I hope we can continue to forge new relationships and maintain the connections we have already made.  Basically, I want us to be a known resource in Wake County.

Q: What is something that you would like people to understand about your work?

JCRC work is totally inclusive and pluralistic.  It’s not based on specific philosophies or denominations of Judaism. Our purpose is to be the go-to organization when things are happening in the world that affect the Jewish people, and we are here for everyone. I really enjoy working with the committee, Judah, and [JCRC staffer] Jorie.  I think we’re a strong committee, and everyone takes and owns their share of the work.

If you are interested in joining the JCRC committee, contact Jorie Slodki.