BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — The following is a statement issued by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County:
We at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and its Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) are heartbroken and outraged at the heinous and blatant brutality by a white Minneapolis police officer that led to the death of George Floyd, a Black man. Handcuffed and helpless on the ground, he and onlookers pleaded for his life. This is just the latest high profile, sickening example of the disgraceful systemic racial bias, injustice and violence that tragically impacts the Black community across the United States every day.
As Jews we know personally and painfully the dangers of unchecked hatred, particularly when it becomes institutionalized within the structures of society. We join all who mourn the loss of Mr. Floyd’s life and pray that his memory is for a blessing to his family and all who loved him. We share the grief and fury that others throughout our community feel over this and so many other recent racist-fueled deaths.
Judaism is clear about our obligation not to stand idly by in the face of injustice. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said, “In a free society, only some may be guilty but all are responsible.”
As people and a community of conscience, we pledge to our Black brothers and sisters, and all communities of color, to work together sincerely and constructively. Together, we must combat the racism that deprives Black Americans of justice and equal opportunity, and sustain the momentum to prevent the apathy that allows too many to look the other way.
We have seen thousands across the country peacefully take to the streets to demand justice. Regretfully, we have seen others resorting to violence and deflecting from the core message. Together we can and must be stronger than hate.
In that spirit, we commit ourselves to the biblical call of “Justice, justice shall [we] pursue,” and the imperative of achieving a peaceful, just and equal society for all.
There must be no room in our society for this hatred, and we will not stand idly by.
Signed,
Arthur Goldberg, Federation Board Chair
Larry Feldman, Federation Board Chair Designate
Matthew C. Levin, Federation President and CEO
Helene Paul, JCRC Chair
Marissa Trowbridge, JCRC Director
