June 2, 2020

The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond expresses our grief over the senseless death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.  We stand with the Black community and all communities of color in mourning the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others who have lost their lives simply because of the color of their skin.

We join with our partners throughout Richmond and around the nation in demanding justice and systemic change. “Justice for all” must mean something and our country simply cannot achieve the values to which it aspires until we address ongoing racism in all sectors and at all levels of society.  We stand in solidarity with the peaceful protesters demanding this change, while we condemn the destruction and lawlessness that distracts us from the importance of the demonstrations.

The Jewish community knows all too well the dangers of bias and prejudice, particularly when it becomes institutionalized racism within the structures of society.  Our Federation, through its Jewish Community Relations Committee, will work in common cause with the Black community to bring about a change that is long overdue.  We will listen to and engage with our community partners to advocate for justice.  Your outrage is our outrage - and we will never stop until hate and racism are eliminated from our society.

Tzedek, Tzedek, Tirdof

Justice, Justice, you must pursue!

(Deuteronomy 16:20)