Natick Is United and SPARK Kindness Joint Statement
JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING ANTI-SEMITIC HATE CRIME IN NATICK
To Our Community:
As organizations devoted to building a community of respect and belonging for all, Natick is United and SPARK Kindness jointly condemn the anti-Semitic hate crime (vandalism) that was identified by Natick Police near the West Natick MBTA station last Thursday, April 20. We support the Town of Natick in swiftly condemning this act.
In addition to this local act of hate, it is important to remember that acts like this have increased nationally. According to a report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), incidents of anti-Semitism have increased dramatically in 2022 (up 36% from 2021)
As we have before, SPARK and Natick is United condemn acts that dehumanize and discriminate against our fellow human beings. Further, it is important to acknowledge the impact of this heinous act on our Jewish neighbors. Since the Holocaust, “the swastika has served as the most significant and notorious of hate symbols, anti-Semitism and white supremacy for most of the world outside of Asia.”
While many of us view this symbol in our community with outrage and disgust, our Jewish neighbors are likely experiencing it also with fear for themselves and their families. As Rabbi Fogelman of Natick stated in his message: “The purpose of an anti-Semitic act such as this, is no doubt done to attempt to create intimidation and fear. But how we respond belongs to us.”
Natick is United and SPARK Kindness believe that we must respond by taking action to promote equity, justice, and belonging for all. Justice is not complete until all people feel safe in their communities, regardless of their background, religious beliefs, or color of their skin. Here are some ideas of how we, in the words of the mission of Natick is United, can stand together and stand up for our Jewish neighbors at this time:
Educate yourself and your children about anti-Semitism and its negative impacts. Being inclusive means opening our eyes to the many ways that people are discriminated against and dehumanized due to their identity (including their religious beliefs) and taking action, and never ignoring or accepting anti-Semitism.
Acknowledge the Harm to our Jewish neighbors. Many of us may wish to skip over the pain of the moment and focus on the future. However, it is important to acknowledge the destructive and exclusionary message that this hateful symbol sends to our Jewish neighbors. We must name this harm in order to truly work to eradicate it.
Condemn the Act. As Rabbi Fogelman stated: “Firstly, we of course need to call out evil for what it is and condemn it.” We need to be clear about condemning acts of hate, while believing in the power of people to learn, grow, and do better.
Promote the Good. As Rabbi Fogelman also stated: “But it can't stop there. We can't give negativity the full attention it seeks, but doesn't deserve…[T]he best way to stop darkness is to double our efforts with light and goodness. We take control of our response with acts of positivity and pride.” We can uplift the stories of kindness that have followed this hateful event, which have been numerous.
Attend Today’s “Confidence in Our Community” Event - Hosted by Rabbi Fogleman and the Chabad Center of Natick. All community members are invited to meet on today, Sunday, April 23 at 10:30AM at the site of the vandalism at Boden Lane Bridge (Boden Lane side) and march to the Chabad Center parking lot at 10:45 am. Community leaders and the Natick Police Department will be present.
Support Your Local Synagogue. For non Jewish people, you can write a letter (or email) to your local synagogue (even if you live outside of Natick) to express your support. This sends the (true) message that our Jewish neighbors are loved, welcomed, and belong in our community.
As always, love (+ justice) is the answer. Actively working to promote a society centered on respect, inclusion, and LOVE prevents violence toward marginalized people and builds a kinder community for ALL.
Sending kindness + love to you,
~The Natick is United and SPARK Kindness Teams
Resources to Raise Awareness
About Anti-Semitism
Helpful Resources
Articles:
As Anti-Semitism Grows, So Does its Dangers to Everyone. Here’s How You Can Fight Against It (CNN)
How to Support Your Jewish Colleagues Right Now (Harvard Business Review)
Combatting Anti-Semitism in Schools (Edutopia)
Meeting & March Today!
Invitation from Chabad Center in Natick
From Rabbi Fogelman of the Chabad Center of Natick:
Please join us for a Community response!
We will meet at the Boden Lane Bridge ( Boden Lane side) this Sunday morning, April 23, 2023 at 10:30 am, and then march together to the Chabad Center parking lot at 10:45 am to celebrate an annual event dedicated to Maimonidies and his teachings. We will hear from the Natick Police department and be greeted by Community leaders.
Originally planned as a small intimate event for this Sunday Morning, we are extending the invitation to the entire Community and will host our Maimonidies Cycle of Study Celebration outdoors in the Chabad parking Lot. The teachings of Maimonidies represent Education, Ethics, and true peace.
Maimonidies was one of the greatest leaders in history and was well known for his accomplishments across all nations and peoples.Instituted by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, every year we complete and celebrate a study cycle of one of his most monumental works of 1000 chapters known as Mishneh Torah.
Let us increase more goodness, light and joyous celebration.
Please join us! (Facebook Invite for Confidence in Our Community Event is HERE)
Program from ADL (April 27)
Learn to Never Forget: With Holocaust Survivor Mark Schonwetter
Free Program from the ADL:
Educators and students: Don’t miss this special opportunity to join a live conversation with Holocaust survivor Mark Schonwetter. As a young child, Mark survived the Holocaust through the kindness of Polish neighbors and by hiding in attics, barn and in the forest. Despite his experiences during the Holocaust, Mark lives by the saying, “Live every day with love not hatred and you will accomplish so much more in life.”
2 Minute Video: What is Anti-Semitism?