Earlier this week, Vice President Kamala Harris posted this on social media:
“The surge in anti-Semitic attacks against the Jewish community in the U.S. and around the world is despicable—it must be called out, condemned, and stopped. As a country, we must stand united against hate of any kind.”
On the one hand, “Yes!” At the highest leadership level, we hear condemnation for anti-semitism. We are guided by leaders who call out intolerance and hatred. On the other hand, “What?” It’s tragic and horrifying that a message like this even needs to be communicated.
What will it take to understand our interconnectedness? That we are made b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. When our brother cannot breathe, our collective soul gasps for air. When our sister is objectified and violated, our collective soul flinches in pain. What will it take for humans to learn how to love, to lead with kindness and respect?
Until that time comes, we must be courageous and bold. We must stand tall as Jews and not hide our pride and Jewish identity. Equally important, we must live one of Torah’s most essential values, “Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof!” Justice, Justice shall you pursue. Our allyship and advocacy is urgent. We must stand with every group who is marginalized and subject to hate. We are connected, and we must live and act from that place.