The following statement was submitted by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA).
It is with great sorrow, outrage, and resolve that we write this note
to the field. We are so grateful to see you all respond with such
compassion, thoughtfulness, and energy to the horrific shooting in
Pittsburgh. More than 65 communities organized vigils and prayer
services with more than 68,000 people in attendance (click here
for details). The number of non-Jewish leaders, politicians, clergy,
and ethnic leaders who have come to offer their words of support and
solace is a testament to all the work that our network has done over
many years.
Our gratitude goes out to
Josh Sayles, JCRC Director in Pittsburgh, for all that he has done in
recent days and will continue to do on the ground.
Over the past two years,
we have seen an increase in hate-based violence, including anti-Semitic
acts both here in the United State and abroad. Click here for ADL’s Report on "New Hate and Old: The Changing Face of American White Supremacy."
JCPA believes that the
Pittsburgh massacre should galvanize an enhanced and sustained effort to
create unity and fight against hate. The community relations model of
building and maintaining bilateral relations and multilateral coalitions
on issues of common concern has never been more important.
As follow-up to the Pittsburgh massacre, we have compiled some initial resources and recommendations. They are.....
Educate
Throughout the last year, JCPA has raised concerns about rising white nationalism by passing a Resolution on White Supremacy at JCPA's April 2018 Conference, as well as by organizing informational webinars:
"What is the Alt-Right (and What Should we do About Them)?" with Marilyn Mayo of the ADL, July 5, 2017.
"Understanding and Responding to the White Supremacist Threat" with Joseph Levin of the Southern Poverty Law Center, September 27, 2017.
"Special Briefing on Pittsburgh: White Nationalism and Anti-Semitism" with Eric Ward of the Western States Center, October 28, 2018.
Take Action
Attend Shabbat services this weekend and invite friends and colleagues from other faith and diverse communities to participate.
Ensure that public
officials, racial/ethnic and religious leaders, and businesses denounce
hate in all its forms. The more that mainstream voices on both sides of
the aisle express their opposition, the more likely that such hate will
return to the margins. Work with faith leaders and partners to educate
and engage their grassroots communities, as well.
Support federal
legislation to combat white supremacy and all forms of hate, including
investing in countering violent extremism. We will have materials
prepared soon.
The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act (S. 2148)
is designed to enhance and expand the federal government’s
counterterrorism efforts to prevent acts of domestic terrorism,
particularly by white supremacists . Last year the US government halted
funding for countering white supremacy.
Advocate for state and local legislation that condemns hate and counters white supremacy.
Remain active
leaders in interfaith and intergroup coalitions. Now, more than ever, we
must be fully engaged in our relationships with diverse partners,
putting our principles of acceptance into action and showing that our
vision for America can prevail.
Push for policies
that promote inclusivity and justice, drowning out hatred in the
process. By supporting comprehensive immigration reform, criminal
justice reform, and hate crimes legislation, our positive aspirations
for America can supplant the type of society that hate groups seek to
bring about.
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