Tzedek, tzedek tirdof / צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף  Justice, justice thou shalt pursue.

Our country is reeling following the murder of George Floyd, a subdued and handcuffed African-American man, by Minneapolis police officers. We demand justice and call for the strongest possible charges to be brought against all officers directly involved.

We are also troubled by the senseless acts of vandalism and looting that are taking place in cities around the country, including our own. We, however, must not lose sight of the racial inequalities and injustices that for generations have plagued our society. We are supportive of the thousands gathering peacefully to help dismantle the racism within American policing and society as a whole. At the same time, we need to separate those that are standing for justice versus those that are standing to tear down our government, our institutions, and our neighborhoods. We are clear and unambiguous about this current moment of justice that calls us to rise in peace.

Here in Portland, our Jewish community has a very positive relationship with local law enforcement, for which we are very grateful. Yet, we must nevertheless recognize that for the African-American community and other people of color, their experience has been vastly different. For too long they have suffered from unfair and uneven application of the law. Not only should we be sensitive to their pain, we need to be allies with them in addressing these deep-rooted issues.

The Jewish Federation, through its Jewish Community Relations Council, is proud to have developed a close partnership with the local chapter of the NAACP and other leaders in the African-American community, including co-sponsoring the peaceful vigil that took place downtown on Friday. We stand in solidarity with the African-American community and all communities of color, and we pledge to join forces with them as they strive for equality and long overdue reform in our criminal justice system.

Marc N. Blattner

President and CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater Portland

"I have never NOT known my place in the world.  If you are a person of color or a person from any kind of minority group, you WILL experience ignorance and stupidity at the highest level-I promise you.  The real enjoyment, the most ultimate pleasure, comes from the resiliency within.  Your ability to withstand minor adversities each day and wake up stronger and wiser the next.  I talk to children about stereotypes and injustices in hopes that their little minds will grow to be strong and wise.  I challenge the inequities that I see by involving myself in leadership positions that make a difference.  That's how the battle is won."

Christina Alquisira:   K4 Counselor Cornelius Elementary School, Cornelius Oregon, Dialogue Participant

"I started being a White Ally by getting involved in the Civil Rights Movement by registering individuals to vote in the South. In 1964, I worked as a S.N.C.C. Staff Person in Mississippi &  in 1964, I was attached by the KKK in Atlanta, while working for S.N.C.C. Currently, I've been a keynote speaker in dialogue sessions to establish a place where both White Students and Students of Color can actually try to tell the truth to each other about race.  I know it is rare in this society to be in a space of truth-telling.  I have cultivated a diverse collection of friends.  I find that having real race discussions with my friends of color not only helps my own inherent American taught racist beliefs, but also promotes deep friendships. Hopefully, this has promoted a more just society.

Karen Haberman Trusty:   Facilitator, Storyteller, Civil Rights Activist, Archivist, Dialogue Participant, Harvard Grad

"To be a total & effective human being, we need what every good vehicular driver needs, a clear view of the traffic pattern in front, as well as the rear view mirrors to gain a true view of our pattern, behind us.  To eliminate one of these views is without an effective view of our driving environment.  Each ethnic group brings to the world, unique views, attitudes, history & more. There is a responsibility for one to maintain his/her ethnic identity.  To have an ethnic view of our heritage allows us the advantage of not committing the same mistakes all over again, due to ignorance."

Edmund Yatwood Yeung:   Author, Former  Beaverton & Philadelphia school teacher, Hawaiian Culinary Chef & Cultural Bridge Builder

"I am a Cambodian Khmer Rouge Concentration Camp Survivor who planted seeds of hope.  I am encouraging people to plant seeds whenever, they face a rainy day.  Those seeds will grow into forests. The forests now yield wood to build schools for the children in Cambodia to receive a better education & life in the space where the concentration camps existed. As a tree, I lie down to serve as a bridge between communities and cultures.  I am a Royal Rosarian, an official goodwill ambassador for Portland. The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living (Cicero.) I am Cambodian in America with unique experiences, perspectives and purpose."

Kilong Ung:  Author, Founder of Golden Leaf Education Foundation