Today, our state, our democracy, and our values are under threat. The North Carolina Senate has approved a new congressional map that redraws districts to guarantee partisan outcomes — a map drawn purely for political gain.

Does every voice count equally in our state, or will our elected officials decide whose voice matters and whose does not?

Why this matters

The proposed map targets the state's 1st Congressional District — a historically Black district that has consistently elected Black and Democratic representation. The new map could give Republicans an extra seat in that district, which previously included all eight of the state's majority-Black counties but has now been redrawn to include more conservative-leaning counties.

By carving up this district, the map dilutes Black voting power and makes it nearly impossible for Black voters to elect representatives of their choice.

This is about race and power. The architects of the map make no secret of their goal: to shore up power for one party by systematically weakening the political voice of Black communities, low-income communities, and rural voters.

As a Jewish organization committed to justice, equality, and the sanctity of every individual's voice, we cannot stand by as maps are deliberately drawn to silence Black and brown communities rather than amplify them. We understand what it means when a government decides certain people's votes should count less.

The window to act is narrow. The state House of Representatives is expected to approve the new map later this week. Republicans currently hold large majorities in both chambers, and Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, cannot veto redistricting plans under the state constitution.

What you can do

• Call or email your North Carolina State House member TODAY. Urge them to oppose this map before the vote. Let them know that constituents are watching and that fair representation matters.
  
  
• Spread the word. Share this message with your networks, neighbors, friends, houses of worship, and community groups. Encourage others to speak up too.
  
  
• Show up. Attend or monitor public hearings if you can. Your presence reminds our legislators that the people are paying attention.
  

Why your voice matters

When any map is drawn to silence certain voices, especially Black voices, it undermines us all. Democracy flourishes when every community has the power to choose its own representative and when no one is left out of the process.

In the words of our tradition: Tzedek, tzedek tirdof — Justice, justice shall you pursue. We pursue it not only in our synagogues and daily lives, but in the very foundations of our public life and civic community.

Thank you for being with us in this vital work. The arc of justice bends toward fairness only when we act together.