Responding to recent anti-Semitic attacks

In a moment of reflection on the recent uptick of anti-Semitism, JWI CEO Meredith Jacobs has issued the following statement: 

"This year, the lights from our Chanukah candles were darkened by the horrific attacks on our Jewish community in New York. The hate we have witnessed is not new—anti-Semitism is as old as our people. But in recent years, those who would hate have been emboldened. Those who would harm have been empowered. And while the recent crimes were directed at the ultra-Orthodox, make no mistake – these attacks represent a hatred for all Jews.

While the rise of hate is not limited to anti-Semitism, this past year alone more than half of the reported hate crimes in New York City were directed at Jews (this according to the New York Times from police crime data). The hate is not limited to New York, nor is it confined to recent weeks. It is with too fresh memory that we mourn those we have lost in Pittsburgh, Poway, Jersey City, and now Monsey.

But we must not fight hate with hate. Our response must not be tinged with racism for the hate we face is not committed to any one race or nationality – anti-Semitism is a multilateral force.

Our history is marked with stories of overcoming those who would eradicate us. And so, we will do as we have done throughout time. We will live proudly and speak boldly. And we will stand alongside those from other communities who will work with us to push back against hate. We welcome our allies—for as history has shown when one is not safe, none are safe.

Tonight, let us light the Shabbat candles and reclaim the light that was dimmed. Let the flames give strength to those who will rally in New York on Sunday and illuminate the path forward."

JWI is a proud co-sponsor of the Solidarity March taking place in New York this Sunday, January 5th. Join us.