A Statement of Solidarity

We write today to express the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Colorado Section’s commitment to stand with the African American Community in solidarity and to take action to assure that racism is not tolerated in and is eradicated from our communities.

The Torah (Hebrew Bible) is the foundation of the Jewish faith. One of the key lessons taught in the Torah is kavod habriyot, or the protection of human dignity. This is a core value for the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and central to how NCJW advocates live out their faith and pursue justice. NCJW at its very core works tirelessly for women, children and family issues through advocacy and community service. Every day we strive to make our communities better places for all to live. The recent activities in America have shaken our faith and fueled our resolve to work harder to make these objectives a reality.

The events unfolding all over our country show a critical disregard for human dignity and human life. Our hearts go out to the families and the entire African American community. We cannot and will not stay silent. We are outraged and devastated by the actions taking place all over this country–from the murdering of African Americans as they are held down, held in a choke hold, cry out, “I cannot breathe,” stand on their porch, or run away and take bullets in their backs; to the mothers who are scared for their children’s lives every day; to the economic, educational and health inequalities; to the downright hatred displayed. For far too long African American’s have been targeted by police and have suffered rampant racism and unfair and uneven applications of the law. It is both unacceptable and exhausting that in 2020, we still need to insist over and over again: Black Lives Matter. We cannot and will not stand idly by.

Today we reaffirm our commitment to stand with our African American sisters and brothers as we call for an end to systemic racism and seek out ways we can assist to assure this call does not fall on deaf ears.

Mr. Floyd’s family has shared a hope for justice that includes systemic changes to prevent such atrocities from happening again. We share this hope and recommit as an organization to ending the hate-filled and senseless violence that has taken the beautiful souls of George Floyd, Elijah McLain, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Rayshard Brooks, and countless others. Through legislative reform, activism, and education, we will make sure each individual we engage helps end the toxic culture of racism that permeates our country. We will use our voices to call upon our government and law enforcement at the national and local levels to fully investigate and hold accountable all officers involved in such heinous acts to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We also call upon our government and law enforcement agencies at every level to institute sweeping reforms in law enforcement and criminal justice and will work to assure this occurs. We pledge to join forces with the black community and other Americans to see through these changes to law enforcement, economic, education and health care inequities, end systemic racism and work for a more just American society.

George Floyd’s six-year old daughter, Gianna, declared, “My daddy changed the world!” We say from her mouth to Hashem’s ears! Enough is enough! Change is what NCJW is all about and today we reaffirm our commitment to work for change to bring racial justice to our communities and to not stop until this is a reality. Black Lives Matter!

Shalom, peace for all!

Jacqueline M. Beckett, President, on behalf of NCJW, Colorado Section