While the hostage situation in Colleyville, TX was thankfully brought to an end with no physical harm befalling any of those taken captive, the deeper issues raised by this incident are far from resolved. Jewish clergy, Jewish lay leaders and local faith leaders of other denominations crafted a response to this horrific incident to call attention to the antisemitic tropes that underlie it. A solidarity gathering took place at the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons on Friday, January 21 from 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Representatives from across the ethnic, racial and religious spectrum addressed a group of about 75 people with the focus: Hate has no place in our community. No member of the Jewish community -- indeed, of any faith community -- should experience fear at the prospect of gathering in sacred assembly or displaying their religious identity proudly and openly.
See Rabbi Rachel Safman's remarks on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IthacaAntisemitismTaskforce/videos/4698066533609365
