History:
During the years of 2003 and 2004, conversations were taking place at different times and along different lines between several Jewish motorcycle clubs, primarily in the eastern U.S. about the formation of an overriding 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, 2004 with members of the Chai Riders (metro NY), Hillel’s Angels (NJ), The Tribe (VA, MD, DC and environs), Yidden on Wheels (Canada) and the King David Bikers (S. 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. It 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, the Chai Riders MC of Arizona, the Six Point Riders of So. Florida, the Montreal Maccabees, the Seattle Tribe, and the Motorcycle Club of Israel have since joined and are our newest member clubs.

The R2R has become the unofficial de facto defining event for the JMA and will occur annually at a venue to be selected by the JMA’s governing council.

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.

Mission:
The mission of the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance (JMA), and by extension the internet forum -- JewishBikersWorldwide@yahoo.com, (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.

Organization:
The JMA is an umbrella organization whose affiliate clubs consist of official, organized motorcycle riding clubs or groups,* with JMA membership criteria specified in the JMA Charter & By-laws, section 5. A member club will designate a person to be its JMA delegate.

The JMA is the home of Jewish motorcyclists from around the world. We are a worldwide association of Jewish motorcycle clubs that upon its formation included organized groups in the United States, Canada and Australia, representing over 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.

* [Please note: individuals DO NOT become a "member" of the JMA simply because of or through his/her club affiliation. The JMA consists of clubs only, therefore only a CLUB can attain membership status. Individual members of a JMA member club may participate in JMA decisions through the actions of their JMA member club representative. ANYONE not affiliated with a club can participate in the JBW forum to express their opinions on JMA matters.

For a club to apply for JMA membership, please see the requirements in the JMA Charter & By-laws Section 5. All member clubs are expected to abide by the Charter & By-laws in its entirety as a condition of membership. Contact us for application details.