Jewish Community Relations Council looks forward after election

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump on his victory this week. Unfortunately, this election has highlighted our differences and we have seen an increase in hateful rhetoric and activity, including overt and covert anti-Semitism. Clearly, ours is a nation deeply divided, with lines drawn based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, class, and social status.

We are heartened by President-Elect Trump’s vocal support for a strong Israel and encourage him to use his office to work for peace between the Palestinians and Israelis, and the dignity of all those who live in the region.

We do not see this election as the end of a battle between enemies. Rather, the JCRC views this time as an opportunity to redouble our efforts to engage the community in promoting our vision of a just community that reflects both American and Jewish core values, which include repairing the world, treating all who are created in God’s image equally, pursuing pathways of peace in public and in the home, and not standing idly by while others suffer.

A large part of our mission is to pursue justice, not only for ourselves but for all. Our Hours Against Hate program is expanding its work among youth to build relationships across lines of difference. The JCRC is actively working as part of a large coalition to reform policing practices with the goal of improving police community relations, reducing crime, and improving the quality of life for law enforcement officers and the people they serve. Our Let’s Talk: Israel initiative is working to increase opportunities for robust, thoughtful, and civil conversation about Israel. That type of respectful communication is a model for engagement on all divisive issues. As always, we will continue to respond to reports of anti-Semitism and to protect the Jewish community from any form of discrimination.

We are a small minority community and we cannot achieve our vision and mission alone. We will continue to speak out and advocate on behalf of the Jewish community and to advocate for all people in need. We look forward to continuing to educate and advocate on behalf our shared values, and invite all to participate.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.