Stand up for neighbors; declare ‘I condemn white supremacy’ VOICES

I write as a clergy person and a Jewish community leader.

Our Jewish Sages teach that when we recognize a threat, to stay silent is harmful to others and also to our own souls. Therefore, I join Rabbi Jonah Pesner, the Director of the Religious Action Center of the Union for Reform Judaism, and declare, “I condemn white supremacy.”

When leaders not only refuse to denounce but also imply their encouragement of white supremacist racial and religious hatred and violence, I declare, “I condemn white supremacy.”

When leaders not only refuse to denounce but also imply their encouragement of white supremacists who boldly threaten Jews and other minorities, I declare, “I condemn white supremacy.”

When white supremacist hate groups giddily embrace what they recognize is permission to grow their hate stronger, I declare, “I condemn white supremacy.”

When leaders both make excuses for and also praise members of white supremacist organizations, I declare, “I condemn white supremacy.”

In our country today, we are physically threatened by white supremacist groups that are rightly considered domestic terrorists by the U.S. Department of State, the Anti-Defamation League, and other civil rights organizations. Too many souls are at risk because otherwise good and decent people are standing by and watching.

And so, I urge you to join me in choosing to stand up for our neighbors, ourselves, and our souls by loudly declaring, “I condemn white supremacy.”

Cantor Penny M. Kessler United Jewish Center

Danbury