Anti-Hate Events this Weekend
In our statement last week, we denounced the hate spewing forth from the white supremacists and neo-Nazis that stormed Charlottesville. This is not a partisan political issue and not a debate about policy. Decent people across the political spectrum have rejected this outpouring of intolerance. Empathy, compassion, diversity, and love of humanity are not marginal values. What's more, community building organizations like ours are truly the bulwarks of democracy, as we propagate positive values among ourselves and share them with the larger community.
As the forces of bigotry seem to be taking advantage of this atmosphere, including planning a rally in San Francisco, we will respond by strengthening our community, declaring our unequivocal values, maintaining strong bridges with other communities, and ensuring the safety and security of our community. In the words of the leadership at the Jewish Federations of North America, "we build community because there is no better guarantor of the future than a populace that sees itself as sharing a common destiny."
For community members who are seeking to join others during this challenging moment, there are several solidarity events coming up (check with your local synagogues for others):
San Francisco
Friday, August 25: The Federation and JCRC are co-sponsoring a Unite Against Hate Rally, hosted by the City of San Francisco’s Human Rights Division. 12:00 pm at Civic Center Plaza.
Friday, August 25: The Federation is joining Congregation Emanu-El and JCRC for a special Interfaith Gathering Against Hate at Emanu-El. 5:30 pm oneg, 6:30 service.
Friday, August 25: Congregation Sherith Israel is hosting CSI Stands Against Hate, with a dinner and discussion following Shabbat services, including speakers from ADL and AJC. 6:00 pm service, 7:30 pm dinner. RSVP is required for dinner: contact Allison Green at agreen@sherithisrael.org or 415.346.1720, x 24. The Federation is co-sponsoring.
Saturday, August 26: Grace Cathedral is providing a welcoming space filled with activities to counteract the Crissy Field rally in a positive, proactive way. 12:00 pm.
Peninsula
Friday, August 25: Join Peninsula Temple Beth El and the Peninsula Multifaith Coalition in San Mateo for Fellowship & Freedom: Joining in Support of our Turkish Muslim Friends. 6:30 pm. RSVP required.
Marin and Sonoma
Friday, August 25: Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon is hosting Love Lives in Marin, an interfaith prayer gathering to stand for love and against hate.
Friday, August 25: Congregation Shir Shalom in Sonoma is hosting an Interfaith Shabbat and Peace Vigil. 7:00 pm.
