Our Anti-Semitism Task Force, Domestic Civil Liberties Task Force, and Social Action Committee respond to the terror in Charlottesville:

Dear Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Community,

We are shocked and appalled that President Trump called members of the same crowd that chanted Jews will not replace us! “very fine people” in an unscripted statement on Tuesday afternoon. We are driven by Judaism’s commitment to taking action in the face of hate, and condemn this with the strongest words possible.

The widespread protests and condemnation in response to the public display of Nazism and white supremacy that took place in Charlottesville remind us that the vast majority of Americans uphold and cherish the founding American values of equality, diversity, and a pluralistic democracy.

Our social justice task forces and Social Action Committee are dedicated to repairing the world and spreading chesed (lovingkindness) through direct action in the form of vigils, marches, advocacy, petitions, and more. To take part in this critical work, fill out this form or contact our social justice program associate, Rachael Cain, at rcain@swfs.org.

At tomorrow evening’s Shabbat services, Rabbi Diana Fersko will speak about the terror in Charlottesville. If you can’t join us in the sanctuary at 6 p.m., you can watch the synagogue’s live stream at www.swfs.org/live or on Facebook. We hope to see you there.

In Solidarity,

The Stephen Wise Anti-Semitism Task Force
The Stephen Wise Domestic Civil Liberties Task Force
The Stephen Wise Social Action Committee