Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance
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[edit] Overview
During the years 2003 & 2004, conversations were taking place at different times and along different lines between several different Jewish motorcycle clubs, primarily in the Eastern U.S. about the formation of an umbrella organization to unite in communication and purpose the few Jewish motorcycle clubs known to exist at the time. From those random and non-specific conversations grew the concept of having us all get together for a simple "meet and greet."
The meeting took place in Delaware in October of 2004 with members of the Chai Riders (metro NY), Hillel’s Angels (NJ), The Tribe (MD, VA, DC and environs), Yidden on Wheels (Toronto), and the King David Bikers (So. FL) participating. From that meeting grew the concept of the first Ride to Remember (R2R) honoring the anniversary of the freedom from the death camps in Europe. The event took place in Washington, DC, in May of 2005 under the auspices of the newly named Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance (JMA).
At that time, the JMA was merely an acronym for an organization that existed in name and spirit, but not in body. During the early part of 2006, the JMA became a reality with the five original founding clubs having grown to ten with the addition of The Sabra Riders (Atlanta); The Chai Riders (Detroit); The Chaiway Riders (Chicago); Or Tikva (Chicago); and YOW (Australia), and the adoption of a Charter & By-laws for defining the guidance for the conduct of JMA business for current and future members. (The Chais of Texas have since joined and are our newest member club.)
R2R 2006 was held in Whitwell, TN, to honor the staff and students of its middle school for their efforts in the world-renowned Paper Clip project. R2R 2007 will be held in New York City in early May. The R2R has become the de facto defining event for the JMA and will occur annually at a venue to be selected by the JMA’s governing council.
The official website for the JMA is http://jewishbikers.com.
[edit] Philosophy
As individuals, we share the fundamental passion to ride motorcycles, but we are drawn to each of our own clubs by our common faith and heritage as members of the Jewish faith.
The common thread is our religion, regardless of the degree and manner in which we choose to observe the Jewish faith. The admission of a prospective club for membership into the JMA is not predicated upon the degree to which the members of a Jewish club observes or practices the Jewish faith, or by the brands of motorcycles that its members may ride.
[edit] Mission
The mission of the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance, and by extension the Yahoo Groups forum — JewishBikersWorldwide (referred to as the JBW) — is to create a global internet environment whereby members of the Jewish faith who ride motorcycles can congregate to share and exchange ideas and opinions about matters of concern to the Jewish community at large, as well as issues specifically concerning motorcycles and motorcycle riding.
[edit] Organization
The JMA is an umbrella organization whose affiliate clubs consist of official, organized motorcycle riding clubs* with JMA membership criteria specified in the JMA Charter & By-laws, section 5. A member club designates a delegate to serve on the JMA Council.
The JMA is the home of Jewish motorcyclists from around the world. The JMA is a worldwide association of Jewish motorcycle clubs that upon its formation included organized groups in the United States, Canada and Australia, representing nearly 600 Jewish motorcycle enthusiasts. The common thread is our religion; however membership or admittance to our member clubs is not dictated by faith or brand of motorcycle: riders of any denomination or brand of bike are welcome.
[edit] Member Clubs
as of November 1, 2006
Chai Riders (http://www.chairiders.org) - New York City, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut
Hillel's Angels (http://www.hillelsangels.org) - New Jersey
King David Bikers (http://www.kingdavidbikers.com) - Florida, Philadelphia, Montreal
The Tribe Motorcycle Club (http://www.thetribemc.org) - Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and parts of Maryland
Yidden on Wheels / Yowies (http://www.yowmtc.com) - Toronto, Canada
Yidden on Wheels / Yowies (http://www.yowaustralia.com) - Australia
Sabra Riders (http://www.sabrariders.com) - Atlanta, Ga
Chaiway Riders (http://www.chaiwayriders.com) - Chicago, Il
Or Tikvah Riders - Gurnee, Il
