The Jewish Community Centers Association of North America is an umbrella organization of Jewish recreational centers and social and cultural programs. It includes more than 350 Jewish Community Centers, Young Men's-Women's Hebrew Associations, and campsites. The movement began with the establishment of the first Young Men's Hebrew Association in Baltimore in 1854, with a mission of providing Jewish immigrants to the United States with services and cultural centers. Throughout the late 19th century and 20th century, YMHAs were critical in supporting immigrants in adapting to their new homes.
Allan Finkelstein is presently president and CEO of the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America. Finkelstein has occasionally spoken about issues facing the Jewish community and the Jewish American community's relationship to Israel. As CEO of the JCC Association of North America, he represents the organization and works directly with the planning and management of a number of centers.
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