The American Jewish Committee (AJC) is a nonprofit advocacy organization and publisher promoting the interests of American Jews. It was founded by wealthy Jews (mostly of German background and active in the Reform movement) in 1906 in the face of murderous pogroms in Russia. It is the oldest and one of the most important voices of Judaism. Working quietly behing the scenes, it sought primarily to eliminate the barriers to full Jewish participation in American life and to secure, as far as possible, Jewish equality in other countries. It opposed Zionism until 1967, then did a total turnaround and joined other major groups such as the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Congress, and B'nai B'rith in vigorous and vocal support of Israel.