Statement of Solidarity with Asian American-Pacific Islander Communities

(Atlanta – March 17, 2021) – As members of Atlanta’s Jewish community, The Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta stands in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander women and their communities against hate and violence. We mourn for the loss of life and our thoughts are with all the victims and their families. As Jewish tradition teaches, “Don’t stand by idly while your neighbor bleeds (Lev. 19:16).” We have an obligation to lift up our voices when faced with hatred and discrimination when fueled by race, ethnicity, religion or gender.

While the motivation has not been fully established, Tuesday’s killings in the Atlanta metro area follow a disturbing pattern of increasing violence and hatred directed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, especially women. We condemn this violence and hatred, and we stand ready to support our AAPI neighbors and fellow Jews who are members of the AAPI community however we are needed.

Contact: Leslie Anderson, Executive Dir. at 770-366-7686; info@jcrcatlanta.org
Harold Kirtz, Board President, at 770-789-9378; hkirtz@hotmail.com