AJC New England Urges Jews, Allies to Take Action on Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre Anniversary

AJC New England Urges Jews, Allies to Take Action on  
Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre Anniversary

Synagogues Again Host #ShowUpForShabbat;
AJC Releases Landmark Survey on Antisemitism in America;  
MA Gov. Charlie Baker Proclaims Oct. 27 “Day of Action Against Antisemitism”

AJC New England is urging people of all faiths to join with Jews in synagogues for Shabbat services on Friday evening, October 25, and Saturday morning, October 26, for the first anniversary of the massacre at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh.

#ShowUpForShabbat was initiated by AJC (American Jewish Committee) following the cold-blooded murder of 11 Jewish worshipers on October 27, 2018 during Saturday morning services. Exactly six months later, on April 27, also during a Shabbat service, the Chabad House in Poway, California was attacked, leaving one Jewish congregant dead.

“These attacks have occurred amidst a rise in antisemitic incidents across the United States and around the world, including here in New England. Jewish people are sensing a growing danger.  Our world is feeling substantially less secure than it did even a few years ago.” said AJC New England Regional Director Robert Leikind.

Leikind’s statement is corroborated by the landmark AJC Survey of American Jews on Antisemitism in America, released earlier this week. It reveals deep concern about antisemitism in the United States and widespread fear that it is increasing. According to the survey:

• Approximately nine out of every ten American Jews believe antisemitism is a problem in America.
• More than eight in ten say it has gotten worse over the past five years.
• Nearly half of American Jewish young people say they have been victims of antisemitism.

“American Jews could not be clearer about the reality of antisemitism in the U.S.,” said AJC CEO David Harris. “Our survey provides, for the first time, an in-depth assessment of American Jewish perceptions of, and experiences with, antisemitism in their own country. This hatred is real, comes from multiple sources, and is growing. It needs to be taken seriously and dealt with in a sustained, multi-pronged response.”

Today, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker acknowledged this critical need by proclaiming October 27, 2019, “as a day of action to combat antisemitism and reaffirm our commitment to combating all forms of hatred and antisemitism and to ensuring the safety and dignity of our residents and communities.” The Governor joins elected officials in 16 states who have signed on to the AJC-drafted proclamation to date.

Visit www.ajc.org/showupforshabbat for more information and to learn how you can participate in #ShowUpForShabbat in New England to honor the victims and raise our collective voice for a world free of antisemitism, hate, and bigotry.

For more information about the AJC Survey of American Jews on Antisemitism in America, contact  AJC New England Director Rob Leikind at 617-794-3279 or leikindr@ajc.org.  Full survey results are available at: visit  www.ajc.org/antisemitismsurvey2019.