Southwest Jewish Congress 

Founded: 2009


Founding Chair: Harry Ploss


Members: 500+


Areas Served: North Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico


Signature Events:

  • Educational Programming offered FREE to the community
  • Texas Sized Event featuring the Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest (IWSW) & the Stan Golden Men of Action Awards (MOA)
  • Flame of Honor Awards Dinner (FOH)

​​Southwest Jewish Congress, a stand-alone Texas 501(c)(3) organization.

With membership open to everyone, the diversity, leadership and passion of the Board strengthens its ability to reach our main goal: to build bridges throughout the community.


This important goal is made possible by celebrating exceptional volunteers, providing free educational programs and launching the newest endeavor, a grant project. These are the mainstays of this lean, grass-roots, no-frills, decisive group. Here are a few examples:


  • Annual selection and recognition of exceptional community volunteers from many disciplines, including young adults – our future leaders – at the Texas Sized Event.
  • Complimentary programs, which have included international speakers such as New York Times best-selling author Edwin Black; Dr. Daniela Gleizer from the University of Mexico; professors from Hebrew University and Technion; author and journalist, Alexis Clark; and presentations on human trafficking, Crypto-Jews, the F-35 and its delivery to Israel, and the inspirational story of Bonton Farms in South Dallas.
  • Building Bridges Grant Initiative, awarding a combined $10,000 to five local non-profits who provide services to injured veterans, refugee children, sexually assaulted women, atrisk youth and the homeless.


In 2013, SWJC provided assistance to pass legislation establishing American Indian Heritage Day in Texas, the first formal recognition of American Indians in the state.


At our May 2019 event, we combined the Annual Meeting, grant presentations, and the reunion of past and incoming honorees. The evening was uplifting, encouraging and inspiring. Over 150 attended, representing diverse ethnicities, generations and faiths. All networked, celebrated and built bridges - strengthening the larger DFW community - now and in the future. 

Who We Are

SWJC Profile

Our Mission

Southwest Jewish Congress (SWJC) is a membership organization open to all that welcomes diversity and builds bridges throughout our community.


We provide quality educational programs and events:

  • supporting US Constitutional and human rights;
  • regarding Jewish culture and history;
  • promoting Israel and its role in the world; and
  • honoring those who have significantly contributed to the advancement of our society, culture and lives