Dear KI Congregants and Community:

So much is happening in our country, it can be disorienting. Through all of the noise, one trend keeps gnawing at my attention. For several months, we’ve witnessed in real time the trans and immigrant communities being targeted and scapegoated as the sources and symbols of what’s wrong with America. We’ve all studied history enough to recognize how dangerous and harmful it is for any government to behave in this manner.

As President of a Reform Jewish synagogue, I feel an unavoidable calling to condemn this behavior and to speak out in support of these communities being demonized by a growing force. On behalf of the Congregation, I say: I’m horrified and saddened by the harsh, inhumane language and treatment being hurled at you. You are as valid and important to the world — and to KI — as everyone else. We see you and support you.

I encourage our KI community to join KI’s LGBTQIA+ affinity group, meeting monthly to support the community and allies through a multi-faceted approach. This week, to add to our clear message of welcome, KI is updating its rainbow flag image to the more inclusive Progress Flag. Join KI’s Social Justice Task Force to support immigrants and learn more about what else we can do. We’re also investigating our rights and responsibilities regarding government enforcement of immigration laws and policies in houses of worship.

I invite everyone to join together in fighting for inclusion and against scapegoating, as well as against antisemitism, racism, misogyny, class warfare, homophobia, and all forms of “other-ing” and exclusion.

Feel free to reach out to KI for more information on how you can help:

Rabbi Ben David and Cantor Amy Levy: 215-887-8702;  rabbibpd@gmail.com; alevy@kenesethisrael.org

Executive Director Brian Rissinger: 215-887-8700; brissinger@kenesethisrael.org

Social Justice Task Force Chair Janice Schwartz Donahue: jschwartzdonahue@gmail.com

Inclusion Committee Chair Tracy Greenbaum: tracygreenbaum@gmail.com

KI President Andrew Altman: kipresident@kenesethisrael.org

Here are some additional resources as well:

HIAS statement on scapegoating immigrants and refugees: click here

RAC (Religious Action Center) of the URJ (Union of Reform Judaism) statement on supporting immigrants and refugees: click here

URJ blogs on LGBTQIA+ communities: click here

Keshet (for LGBTQIA+ equality in Jewish life): click here

Feel free to contact me or any of KI’s leadership with questions or with additional resources our community might be interested in. Together, we can work to create a safe and inclusive world.

Yours,

Andrew Altman

KI President