As a follow-up to my recent letter about the response to the George Floyd's murder, I received a letter from the JCPA, written by Melissa Gorelick. In her letter, she makes a number of important practical suggestions regarding what we can do in response to racism in the US. I share this excerpt with you along with a link to the entire article.
“What the Jewish community can do to reduce racial inequality and systematic injustice:
We can speak out against racism and killings of black citizens by police and others. The Jewish community has an important role to play with law enforcement, as we have built relationships with them in securing our own community. We can heal the divide between law enforcement and the black community. At the same time, we can hold law enforcement accountable for the necessary cultural and systemic change.
We can recommit to building a just society by ending racism and racist policies and supporting equal opportunity for all people regardless of their race, religion or color of their skin. We must recognize that these disparities exist along racial lines and not pretend to be colorblind.
We must build and strengthen trusted relationships. Jewish and black communities need to have a deeper understanding of each other’s histories, traumas, and hopes for the future. While the Jewish community is impacted by growing anti-Semitism, the black community is harmed by bigotry and racism. Our shared history in fighting in the Civil Rights era can inspire a new generation of joint activism against it. While this was more than 60 years ago, it can energize us and provide a blueprint on how we can collaborate on today’s challenges.
We must also advocate on issues of priority to the black community. We can play an important role in finding a solution to mass incarceration and several disparities in or criminal justice system. Philanthropies should invest in Jewish advocacy and anti-discrimination work.
We must nurture relationships with emerging leaders of both communities and prioritize the voices of Black Jewish leaders. We must acknowledge that there are Jewish people of all races and make sure that Jews of Color feel fully supported within the Jewish community. Black Jews may feel less welcome in spaces with increased police presence.
Finally, we must educate the Jewish Community about the challenges faced by the black community, so we become motivated to act.”
In addition to this resource, and in support of our brothers and sisters, I ask that you join me virtually this Sunday at 10 AM at Mount Hermon Baptist Church for services. Find Facebook Live link here. Please feel free to leave a note in the comments section with your own message of solidarity from the TBH-BE and the Jewish community at large.
B'Shalom,
Rabbi Neil Cooper
Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El 1001 Remington Road Wynnewood, PA 19096
