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Why We Wear Orange on June 4th
Everyday more than 100 Americans are killed by guns and over 300 more people are injured. Friday, June 4 is Wear Orange Day, a national day of awareness about the scourge of gun violence in the United States.
U.S. Jewish Organizations' Letter to Israeli Leaders Condemns "Jewish Israeli Extremists'" Acts of "Terrorism and Political Violence"
Seven prominent, pro-Israel American Jewish organizations representing more than three-quarters of Jewish congregations and other constituencies in the U.S. sent a letter late yesterday to Israeli Prime Minister Bennett, Foreign Minister Lapid and Defense Minister Gantz, condemning "the ongoing terrorism and political violence committed by Jewish Israeli extremists in the West Bank against Palestinians, Israeli civilians, and IDF soldiers."
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental illness, please know that you are not alone. You can always reach out to a family member, friend, clergy member, or other trusted adult. Please see below some lists of major national hotlines and crisis resources in the United States and Canada as well as selected Jewish communal resources. Some of these resources offer 24/7 crisis support, while others provide information and referrals in non-crisis situations.
One Year into President Biden’s Term, It’s Time to Restore Asylum
The world is facing the worst refugee crisis in global history, and the United States is failing to do all it can to support those seeking refuge. More than 82 million people worldwide have left home to escape conflict and persecution, surpassing the record of displaced persons after World War II. Asylum-seekers - those fleeing persecution in their home countries - account for about 8 million of those displaced.
We Hold All of these Truths
The current wave of violence in Israel and Gaza is a heartbreaking human tragedy. The loss of innocent life (including that of children) rends the heart, destruction of homes and endemic fear defy the peace and security in which every human being deserves to live.
Reform Jewish Movement Welcomes Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Voting Rights
“We are grateful for the administration’s re-affirmation of support for pivotal legislation that will end discriminatory voting practices and allow every voice to be heard, and every vote to be counted. Now, it is time for the White House to turn their words into action and use their full power to compel the Senate to enact filibuster reform to ensure the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act."
Reform Jewish Leader Addresses Situation in Israel
“We are deeply concerned and pained by the spiraling violence happening over the last several days in Jerusalem and beyond. At this challenging moment we want to emphasize that attacks perpetuating the cycle of violence delay peace and increase bloodshed."
Don’t Sacrifice My Trans Child on the Altar of Political Opportunism
Editor's note: this piece was originally published 05/10/2021 and was updated 06/13/2022.
A Prayer for Peace
As Reform Jews, we stand strongly together with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Over the past 48 hours, Hamas has launched a massive barrage of rocket fire on southern and central Israel. At last report, six Israeli civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands more - from Tel Aviv to Beersheba –are confined to bomb shelters. Innocent civilians in Gaza have fallen victim to this latest round of violence as well. Furthermore, the rapid escalation of violence within Israel's own borders between Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel is a new, and deeply troubling, development. We pray that calm will be restored soon.
After Colleyville: A Renewed Focus on Synagogue Safety and Security
Last Saturday, amid what should have been a peaceful Shabbat, our global Jewish family watched in horror as news emerged that members of Congregation Beth Israel, a Reform synagogue in Texas, were being held hostage by an armed gunman. After an 11-hour standoff, we breathed a collective sigh of relief and profound gratitude upon learning that all four hostages, including Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, were finally free.