Buffalo-Niagara's AJC chapter closes

The Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of the American Jewish Committee closed officially on June 30. The committee's board had approved the decision with the agreement of the National Organization of the American Jewish Committee.

The chapter had been based in the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo's Benderson Family Building, 2640 N. Forest Road, Getzville.

"It is with great sadness and disappointment that I announce the closing," Board President Hal P. Kingsley wrote in a letter to the board, AJC members and affiliations.

"Thank you to all the many religious and non-religious organizations around Western New York. Your collaboration efforts in our support over the past 60 plus years has been invaluable," he also wrote.

The decision to close was based on, the national organization's decision to focus on international issues as opposed to domestic, national's decision to remove the office and executive director from the Buffalo chapter, and the new focus on areas of population growth of other Jewish communities.

"These decisions were not caused by our current or any of the past local boards," he stated. "Our organization has always been accomplished, healthy and vibrant; a great group of people, the best I have ever worked with."

Visit www.ajc.or for details.