Statement in Response to Louisville’s Grand Jury

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September 25, 2020

The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies is united in its concern for the national pain and suffering that has resulted from the decisions of the Grand Jury in Louisville, in response to the murder of Breonna Taylor. We stand with our member agency, Jewish Family and Career Services of Louisville, as it seeks to support and to strengthen a grieving community. We also stand with all member agencies nationally as yet again our nation is experiencing a wave of protests seeking to elevate the urgent need for racial equity and justice. As provider agencies that deliver an extensive range of social services for those in need, the member agencies of the Network work each day to address the loss, anger and trauma caused by systemic racism. We recognize that the culture of racism is embedded within the fabric of our nation and are resolved to work locally, nationally and globally to end this scourge. We call on all Jewish community organizations, persons of faith and Jewish community leaders to join with us in embracing cultures that challenge the instinct to uphold racist values and bring us closer to the Jewish values that guide our tradition: “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” (Pirkei Avot/Ethics of our Fathers 2:21)