The death of George Floyd and the protests across America that followed have been a sobering reminder of how deep our society’s wounds really are. As I reflect on this tragedy, I am reminded just why we created the Center for Loving Kindness three years ago and the enduring Jewish values universally applicable to love your neighbor as yourself. We do this in a non-partisan way during a highly charged political climate these past three years.
This framework to recreate the concept of neighbor has supported our work then, through mass shootings, through the Antwon Rose death, and our current situation today.
As we begin a public JCC reopening, I think about our commitment to our members, guests, and professional staff which I affirm to all of you:
“The JCC is open and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or special need by welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, embracing their uniqueness and diversity under our communal tent.”
At this time of great pain and upheaval, our job is to live these words each and every day and make our tent a model to our community. It is more important than ever.
Brian Schreiber
JCC President & CEO