The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition is heartened and inspired by the outpouring of strong statements by Jewish communities across Pennsylvania, expressing grief over the killing of George Floyd and solidarity with peaceful protesters and broad coalitions calling for accountability, criminal justice reform and an end to bigotry and racism in all of its ugly forms. Among many others, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia (https://jewishphilly.org/statement-on-george-floyd/), the Pittsburgh Jewish Community Relations Council (https://jewishpgh.org/jewish-federation-of-greater-pittsburgh-community-relations-council-statement-regarding-riots-sparked-by-the-killing-of-george-floyd/), the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg (https://jewishharrisburg.org/resources/press-releases/statement-on-the-murder-of-george-floyd), the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley (https://jewishlehighvalley.org/crc/jewish-news-views/a-statement-of-solidarity), the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania (https://jewishnepa.org/) and the York JCC ((https://www.facebook.com/jccyork/photos/a.177049502320935/4539687352723773/?type=3&theater) spoke out forcefully with a unified voice.
We likewise are heartened by the statements of Governor Tom Wolf (https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-addresses-protests-provides-update-on-commonwealth-response/), Speaker Mike Turzai (http://www.repturzai.com/News/17541/Latest-News/Speaker-Turzai-Americans-Demand-Justice), the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (https://www.pahouse.com/PLBC/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=115212 ) and so many other voices demonstrating leadership and vision.
May these words turn into action in the days to come, to make our Commonwealth a safe and compassionate place for people of all races, religions, ethnicities and sexual orientations to grow and thrive with dignity and freedom from hate.