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Solidarity with the African American Community after the Death of George Floyd

06/10/2020 09:52:42 AM

Jun10

On May 29, Rabbi Jonathan Biatch and Rabbi Bonnie Margulis sent this letter to leaders in the African American community of Madison in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis:

Dearest friends and colleagues,

Our words fail us, but our outrage and horror haunt us again when, at this terrible time, yet another African American has been killed at the hands of the police. We cannot imagine the pain and anger, frustration and outrage you must be feeling. The murder of George Floyd is abhorrent, as is the lack of accountability on the part of the police department and the city government. There is no adequate consolation that we can offer for the violence, the death, the manifestation of systemic racism blatantly at work here. Yet, we stand with you and pledge to act with you in protesting these outrageous acts of inhumanity. We are taught to love our fellow as we love ourselves, and we are completely distraught that many Americans have failed to learn this lesson.

Please know that we in the Jewish community and in Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice are prepared to stand with you in whatever way you feel would be the most helpful. We sincerely thank you for your leadership in the Madison community.

We know there is more we can do, and we stand by with our love, our energy, and our substance to be of assistance. The Social Action Committee met on Thursday, June 4, to explore ways that we can support the African American community in the struggle for justice.

As our Racial Justice Action Team continues its advocacy work, we hope you will join us in moving the country to becoming a place of peace and wholeness for all. Please contact Betsy Abramson.

April 25, 2024 17 Nisan 5784