The Week in Review September 15, 2017

It was an emotional week.

Houston's cleanup from Hurricane Harvey barely started when Hurricane Irma bore down on Florida. Rebuilding physically and emotionally will be slow and painful. It has already been one of the most intense hurricane seasons in recorded history and the season isn't expected to end until November. Evidence continues to mount that these catastrophic events are not coincidental, but explicitly due to climate change. 

On Monday, we paused from our daily routines to remember the horrific events 16 years ago on 9/11. It was a defining moment for our nation that changed our way of life forever. We will always remember where we were on that terrible morning and that great need to gather those we love close to us as we tried to make sense about the new world. As the anniversaries go by, we will never forget the more than 3,000 people who lost their lives on that sunny morning.

While 9/11 strengthened our character, it also caused the birth of new, dangerous fears. Today's push to send away the DREAMER's is tied to a rise in xenophobia - "the irrational sensation of fear experienced about a person or a group of persons as well as situations that are perceived as strange or foreign."  That fear rose from the ashes of the Twin Towers.

Our post-911 world is now filled with intolerance. We have seen a rise of anti-Semitism and bigotry. Synagogues, Jewish community centers and schools have been forced to increase their security. According to the ADL, there has been an increase in white supremacist activity on college campuses. Then came Charlottesville - another event that is seared in our mind and, once again, made us feel the world has frighteningly changed.

This past year has been turbulent. Most of the issues we care about have been under daily attack. But through it all, JAC has consistently fought to defeat nominees and legislation that will reverse our country's progress. We have also been supporting candidates across the country that will stand up to the NRA, the religious right and anti-choice groups. 

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we will undoubtedly reflect on the year that has passed. Let's hope and pray that the coming year will bring joy, peace, and understanding, along with renewed energy to continue our important work of Tikun Olam - repairing the world.

Thank you for your continued support.

Wishing you and your family a L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu.