Words fail us, but our outrage and horror haunt us again at this terrible time, when yet another African American has been killed at the hands of the police. We cannot imagine the pain and anger, frustration and outrage the African American community 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 expression of systemic racism blatantly at work here. Yet, we stand with our African American brothers and sisters and pledge to act as allies and partners in protesting these outrageous acts of inhumanity.
Leviticus 19 tells us “do not stand idly by while your neighbor bleeds”. Let us not stand idly by while the African American community is ravaged by racism and violence. Let us take action!
Fighting systemic racism is a life-long task. One small first step is to sign this statement from Faith in Public Life - PEOPLE OF FAITH CRY OUT: BLACK LIVES MATTER!
Another small step – read and take to heart this advice from Corinne Shutack – 75 Things White People Can Do to For Racial Justice.
Let us stand together with people of color and other oppressed minorities and work together to end the racism that is poisoning our society!
Rabbi Bonnie Margulis
Executive Director
Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice