April 21, 2026

Executive Director Announcement

The Jewish Action for LA Board of Directors is excited to announce that Brooke Wirtschafter will be our first Executive Director. Brooke has been a member of our Board and a leader in our work from the start. For the last nine years, she’s served as the director of community organizing at IKAR, developing teams of volunteer leaders, cultivating relationships with local Jewish, labor, nonprofit, and multi-faith organizing partners and elected officials, as well as national Jewish justice organizers.

At IKAR, Brooke worked with clergy and lay leaders to advocate at the local, state and national levels on immigrants’ rights, criminal legal system reform, climate action, homelessness, and affordable housing. Brooke’s experience and relationships will help JALA to realize its vision. 

Brooke says, “LA is where I have built a life, found a community, and raised my family. My Jewish community here has been a source of friendship, support, and inspiration to live up to our tradition’s teachings to love our neighbors through collective action. I’m excited to work together with you to become a powerful voice in LA’s civic life for loving our neighbors.”