When my mother was just 14 years old, she would sneak out of the house to join civil rights protests in the mid-1960s. Being a dedicated civil rights activist and pastor, she imparted various values to me. However, her strong sense of justice stood out as one of the most influential lessons she taught me.
Growing up, I witnessed my mother’s unwavering determination to combat deep-rooted racism and prejudice directed towards African Americans. She fearlessly advocated for what she believed was just and fair. Moreover, I am well aware of the instances where the Jewish community joined forces with the Black community to fight for justice and civil rights. One such example is the Freedom Summer of 1965, where Jewish activists played a prominent role in the battle for equal rights. It is worth noting that many of these activists were either Holocaust survivors or descendants of survivors. Through our joint efforts, our communities have made significant and positive changes in our nation.
Today, we find ourselves in a critical time that requires us to have the same moral clarity. As the chair of the Kansas Democratic Party, as an American, and as a fervent advocate for justice, I express my firm condemnation and resolute opposition to the rising tide of antisemitism in our nation.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, there was a significant increase of 36% in antisemitic incidents in 2022. This number has continued to rise, especially after the events of Oct. 7. In fact, the ADL has reported a staggering increase of over 300% in antisemitic incidents in the first three weeks following Hamas’ terror attack on Israel. This alarming trend has persisted in the months that followed.
In our local communities, the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | AJC has observed a significant surge in reports of antisemitic incidents, with an alarming increase of 500%.
In a time when divisiveness is prevalent, it becomes crucial to voice our opposition and remain steadfast against anti-Semitism. In an era marked by widespread misinformation, it is paramount to acknowledge the direct impact of our words and actions on the safety of our Jewish community. Amidst the clamor of loud and polarizing voices, we must exercise caution in using loaded terms, ensuring accuracy and intention. It is imperative that we educate ourselves on the intricate nature of these issues and embrace multiple truths simultaneously.
Disagreeing quietly with the increasing wave of antisemitic hate is not sufficient. It is crucial to actively confront and push back against such forces of hatred in order to create a better society, nation, and world. Hatred towards any particular group affects us all. We extend our sympathy to Israelis and Palestinians facing hardships abroad and advocate for peace and security for our Jewish and Muslim neighbors within our state.
As a strong advocate for our fellow Jewish Americans, I believe it is crucial for all of us who value justice, peace, and equality to embrace the importance of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, regardless of our diverse backgrounds. It is incumbent upon us to use our voices to firmly denounce hate and antisemitism in all its forms.
To make a positive impact, let’s start by reaching out to our Jewish friends and neighbors. It’s also important to engage with our elected leaders and remind them of the significance of addressing this issue. Additionally, we can collaborate with the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | AJC in Kansas City. They offer valuable resources such as education, training, and support for workplaces, schools, and community groups. For further details, kindly contact [email protected] or visit jcrbajc.org.
I am committed to using my voice to advocate for justice, and I invite you to stand alongside me in this important endeavor.
Jeanna Repass currently holds the position of chair at the Kansas Democratic Party.