As the Talmud teaches us, "Whoever destroys a single life, it is as if they destroyed an entire world." The violence of white supremacy is never singular — the systemic racism that allows Black people to be murdered with impunity is destroying our whole world. We can, however, build new worlds, and Carolina Jews for Justice stands in solidarity with the Black leaders — within our Jewish community and beyond — who are actively fighting for and constructing that future. Please join us.
Understanding Replacement Theory: National Jewish Community Call
“White nationalism anywhere is a threat to all of us everywhere.”
— Ginna Green
In the wake of last weekend's horrific tragedy in Buffalo, NY, our friends at Bend the Arc hosted a call on Thursday, May 19, to help us make meaning of this moment and learn together. On the call, panelists discussed the history and context of the “great replacement” conspiracy theory to better understand the connections between antisemitism, anti-Blackness, anti-Muslim, and anti-immigrant ideologies — and how we must respond in solidarity. You can view a recording of the call here.
One action you can take right now is donating directly to groups on the ground in Buffalo who are serving the Black community.
These direct fundraising asks are rooted in our understanding of the systemic white supremacy experienced by the community and the impact of the current closure of TOPS Supermarket:
• Black Love Resists in the Rust: Black-led organization focused on developing BIPOC leaders locally and running campaigns to redefine public safety
• VOICE Buffalo: A faith-based community organizing project (formerly a part of FIA/PICO)
• African Heritage Food Cooperative: Member-owned food cooperative focusing on sustained access and Black ownership
• Open Buffalo: A racial, economic, and ecological justice civic organization focused on leadership development, advocacy, and organizing
• Every Bottom Covered: The only diaper bank in Western New York
Creator of life, source of compassion. Your breath remains the source of our spirit, even as too many of us cry out that we cannot breathe. Lovingly created in your image, the color of our bodies has imperiled our lives.
Black lives are commodified yet devalued, imitated but feared, exhibited but not seen.
Black lives have been pursued by hatred, abandoned by indifference and betrayed by complacency.
Black lives have been lost to the violence of the vigilante, the cruelty of the marketplace and the silence of the comfortable.
We understand that Black lives are sacred, inherently valuable, and irreplaceable.
We know that to oppress the body of the human is to break the heart of the divine.
We yearn for the day when the bent will stand straight.
We pray that the hearts of our country will soften to the pain endured for centuries.
We will do the work to bind up the wounds, to heal the shattered hearts, to break the yoke of oppression.
As the beauty of the heavens is revealed to us each day, may each day reveal to us the beauty of our common humanity. Amen.
Click here to access additional resources from Black-led organizations in North Carolina, to educate yourself further on race in America, and to take action today.
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