By Sadie Shapiro, JCAN NYC 2025 summer intern
When I first came across JCAN NYC, I felt instantly connected to its mission. JCAN doesn’t just talk about climate change in a general sense, it highlights the Jewish responsibility to care for the earth, rooted in our tradition and values. I realized how perfectly JCAN reflects the two most important parts of my life: my commitment to climate action and my deep connection to the Jewish community.
I am currently going into my final year at the University of Bristol, where I study Geographical Sciences, specializing in areas such as climate systems, sustainability, and environmental science. I have always felt a strong sense of urgency about the climate crisis, and with that, a responsibility to act, educate, and get others involved.
At the same time, being Jewish is a huge part of who I am. I have always been actively involved in Jewish life, both at home and at university, where I served as Campaigns Officer for the Jewish Society. I’ve seen firsthand how strong, supportive, and action-driven the Jewish community can be, especially when uniting around an important cause.
That’s why when I read more about JCAN, I knew I had to get involved. I reached out directly and asked if I could join them as an intern this summer, because I wanted to be part of the incredible work they’re doing.
I want to explore and support ways to get more Jewish communities involved in climate action. Climate change impacts all of us, and we need as many voices as possible pushing for change. What better place to start than within our own communities – communities that have always shown incredible power when standing up for what’s right.
JCAN NYC is doing exactly that. It’s showing that caring for the planet is a Jewish responsibility, and that we have a role to play in this movement, not just as individuals, but together.
I’m so proud to be working with JCAN and to be part of a growing effort to educate, empower, and mobilize Jewish voices for climate justice. This work combines everything I care about, and I’m excited to see how far we can go.