Dear Members of the ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» Community,
In recent weeks, our nation has witnessed a disturbing rise in anti-Semitism, including violent acts that target Jews. People have been beaten for the simple act of wearing a yarmulke. Synagogues have been defaced; Jews have been harassed in the streets; and anti-Semitic social media postings have become common. In the past two weeks, ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» Hillel has been vandalized twice. Both incidents are currently under investigation by the ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» University Police Department.
I have had too many occasions during my time here and at Tufts to condemn acts of hatred and bigotry in our nation. Each time, I have thought about my mother and father. They came to this country as refugees to escape religious persecution in Europe. They were embraced and afforded the freedom and safety to pursue their lives peacefully and productively. Everyone deserves the same opportunity my parents found here.
As the words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remind us, βinjustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.β None of us should tolerate the targeting of any religious or ethnic group. It is our collective responsibility to speak out and condemn such acts of hatred and bigotry. Let us work together to build a better ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³» and a better nation.
Sincerely,
Larry