Statement of Solidarity by the Jewish Community over Charleston Church Shootings

In an extraordinary display of unity, a broad cross-section of American Jewish organizations joined to declare Friday, June 26th a "Shabbat of solidarity with the African-American community." In light of the horrific act of violence in Charleston, South Carolina, leaders of the Jewish community asked their members to participate in a Sabbath of solidarity.

Among the suggested actions for rabbis, congregations and organizations was to speak out in synagogues on the issue of racism in society and to express rejection of hateful extremism.  All rabbis and congregations were encouraged to reach out to AME churches in their communities with expressions and demonstrations of support.

The call to action is consistent with the historic ties of the Jewish and African American community going back to the Civil Rights era.

This call to action has been endorsed by all four of the denominations, including the Rabbinic and congregational arms, as well as national community relations’ organizations. 

The 18 organizations  include:  The Rabbinical Assembly, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Union for Reform Judaism, Central Conference of American Rabbis, Rabbinical Council of America, Orthodox Union, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, Jewish Reconstructionist Communities, in association with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, the Rabbinic Cabinet of Jewish Federations of North America, the International Fellowship of Rabbis, AJC, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the Republican Jewish Coalition, the National Jewish Democratic Council, ADL, Simon Wiesenthal Center, Hillel International, World Jewish Congress, US.