The Federation’s Response to the Chauvin Verdict and the Continued Fight for Justice

San Francisco, CA - Yesterday, a jury in Minneapolis found Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts in the murder of George Floyd. The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund strongly supports this conviction. We hope that this decision brings some form of healing, peace, and justice to George Floyd’s family and loved ones, to the Minneapolis community, and to Black and Brown communities everywhere, which include Black Jews and Jews of Color. We stand by the words of Rabbi Sharon Brous, who shared on social media: “Today’s verdict was an act of accountability that is generations overdue. It is one step in the national teshuvah, the reckoning that is absolutely essential to our nation’s transformation.”

George Floyd should be with us today. While yesterday’s verdict is progress in holding the police accountable, we will not truly achieve justice until we change the systems that enable violence and discrimination. Moments before the verdict was read, 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant was shot and killed by a police officer in Columbus, Ohio. We lift up her name, along with Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo and so many others we have lost to police violence and racism.

Jewish wisdom teaches us “Tzedek tzedek tirdof – Justice, justice, you shall pursue”. Our own experiences with systemic oppression require us to stand up against racism and bigotry in all its forms, using our Jewish values to guide us. Below are actions that you can take to help bring about change.

Give (Tzedakah):

  • Give to organizations dedicated to racial justice and equality. Our Philanthropy Advisory team has developed this Giving Insights to serve as a guide.

Express Kindness and Support (Chesed):

Advocate for Justice (Tzedek):

  • Call your legislators and local elected officials and ask what they are doing to increase accountability for law enforcement misconduct and eliminate discriminatory policing practices, such as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021
  • Attend public hearings about your local police department and advocate for changes that center the community
  • Attend the Federation’s 473K Belonging Experience in May to explore how to create more just and equitable Jewish communities

Our Progress in Building an Inclusive, Anti-Racist Jewish Community

Less than a year ago, we made a commitment to lead toward an anti-racist Jewish community, one that is safe and inclusive for acheinu kol bet yisroel – “for all of our people.” That commitment has evolved into a strategic imperative: to help organizations become places where all people, including people of color, are thriving in Bay Area Jewish life, and for our own Federation to make progress toward becoming an anti-racist, inclusive organization. We have assembled a Racial Justice Task Force comprised of lay and professional leaders, and allocated resources to begin working towards achieving these goals. Below we share highlights of some of our work to date, while acknowledging that we have much work ahead.

Communal Initiatives

Federation’s Internal Initiatives

  • Creating our Organization’s Commitment to Diversity, a statement designed by professional and lay leaders, and unanimously approved by the Board of Directors
  • Performing an organizational audit, led by DEI consultants (currently in progress)
  • Educating professional team members with racial equity trainings and development of an online resource library
  • Educating board members through trainings on understanding Jewish and communal diversity
  • Expanding holiday and cultural celebrations to include those of underrepresented communities (Black History month, Disability Inclusion, etc.)

May yesterday’s verdict mark a turning point for our nation, and may the memory of George Floyd be forever a blessing and a revolution for an inclusive, just society where everyone can truly flourish. Let’s work together to achieve that vision, both here within our Jewish community and throughout our country.

Danny Grossman
Chief Executive Officer

Arthur Slepian
Board Chair

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The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund connects people of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives to the power of the Jewish community to improve the world. We partner with donors, organizations, and foundations to address pressing issues facing our community, and develop innovative strategies that result in deep and lasting impact locally, in Israel, and around the world. Learn more at www.jewishfed.org.

For immediate release

April 21, 2021

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