SFIC STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH LOCAL JEWISH COMMUNITIES OF FAITH
IN RESPONSE TO YESTERDAY'S HOSTAGE TAKING
AT THE BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE IN COLLEYVILLE, TEXAS
In response to yesterday's frightening taking of hostages at the Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, the San Francisco Interfaith Council (SFIC) was in early contact with local Jewish faith and community leaders, extending the prayers and support of our City's 800 religious houses of worship and affiliated institutions.
While relieved that the hostages were released safely, this horrific act of violence and desecration serves as a stark reminder that even in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, a time at which measured precautions have been taken to protect the health and safety of congregants, still, worshipping communities are not immune from the dark extremism of those who seek to cultivate religious hatred, division and, in this case, antisemitism.
Acts of antisemitism force Jews here and everywhere to re-experience the pain of emotional trauma and exist in a society where external forces seek to cultivate and perpetuate a culture of fear. As sisters and brothers professing to be peace-loving children of faith, we stand in allyship with the "Children of Abraham," ever reminded that when one member of the community suffers, all suffer.
As a result of yesterday's violent action, a drama that rightfully captured the attention of our nation, measures are already underway, here in San Francisco, to reinvigorate the efforts of an interfaith coalition formed to provide practical resources and support to houses of worship and their religious and lay leaders, in the event of such security breaches.
With vigilance and courage we stand arm-in-arm, lifting our prophetic voices, in the name of righteousness, to extinguish the flames of injustice and hatred in our midst.
