About Us
Welcome to The Jewish Bar Association of Georgia, “J-BAR”.
In the fall of 2023, even before the massacre of October 7th, a small group of Jewish judges and lawyers began to discuss the formation of a Jewish Bar Association here in Georgia. This initial discussion generated excitement and momentum. After meeting over coffee, Judges Jay Roth and Stacey Hydrick, and Attorney Darren Tobin, decided to take an idea and make it a reality. Attorney Mike Roth was quick to join, and between the four of them, J-Bar was formed.
J-Bar has been in existence for one year. And in that time, the organization has accomplished a great deal including fighting against antisemitism, lobbying the State Bar to ensure that no activities are planned during Jewish holidays, banning an antisemite from the criminal defense bar’s listserv, meeting with judges to ensure Jewish holidays are observed, and of course hosting social events.
J-Bar’s aim is to ensure a safe place for our members to socialize and network; combat antisemitism; provide a platform for like-minded lawyers to discuss and debate relevant topics; give back to the community both in Georgia and in Israel; and better the legal field by offering continuing education.
While we aspire to be a leader in many civic and community activities, we also hope to partner with other Bar Associations providing necessary needs within our community as well.
We expect to have a large voice in fighting antisemitism, racism, or any type of hate in our communities within the State of Georgia.
We welcome you to join us!
Mission Statement
The Jewish Bar Association of Georgia, seeks to provide its members with a platform to help combat antisemitism, promote religious diversity in public and private legal departments and organizations, build social and networking opportunities for its members, encourage the recruitment and retention of Jewish law students, lawyers, and other legal professionals, facilitate continuing legal education programs, educate the legal community on issues that are relevant and important to the Jewish community, develop Tikkun Olam projects, and support the Georgia Jewish community.
Vision Statement
The Jewish Bar Association of Georgia aspires to create a safe space for its Jewish members, to protect and develop the distinct voice of the Jewish legal professionals in our legal community, and to advance the goals of our mission in intentional and sustainable ways.
Definition of Antisemitism
In furtherance of providing its members with a platform to help combat Antisemitism, the Jewish Bar Association will continue to follow the working definition of antisemitism as set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). Specifically, antisemitism includes targeting or arguing against Israel’s right to exist, calling for the destruction of the State of Israel because it is a Jewish State, targeting acts against a Jewish person or the Jewish people because they are Jewish, or acts that stereotype, discriminate, or deny Jews opportunities or services available to others.
J-Bar’s Position on Israel
Let there be no question: Anti-Zionists are not welcome. J-Bar 100% supports Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. Furthermore, J-Bar 100% supports the FIDF’s mission to protect the State of Israel.
