August 16, 2017 – Charlottesville

On Saturday, August 12th, Heather Heyer was murdered in an act of domestic terrorism while protesting the presence of white supremacist “alt right” groups who marched in Charlottesville, Virginia. These extremists, apparently upset about the removal of a Confederate statue, also beat up Deandre Harris, a 20 year-old black man, and threatened to burn down a local Reform synagogue.

Since the election of Donald Trump, the SPLC has documented over 1,000 bias-related incidents that targeted minorities. It is safe to say that the president has emboldened these extremists; but this racism has existed for a long time, and is woven into the fabric of our society.

For 123 years NCJW NY’s mission has been clear: to right society’s wrongs and care for our neighbors. From assisting immigrants fleeing persecution in the early 20th century, to opening a food pantry in the 1980s to help those suffering under Reagan’s austerity measures, we have put faith into action to improve the lives of women, children and families.

The only thing new about the Trump administration and the culture of hate it engenders is its boldness; but we have seen this before and we have overcome. We will continue to demand justice for the vulnerable.

Yours in solidarity,
Maria Mostajo, President
Andrea Salwen Kopel