Along with all of you, we are heartbroken and angry about the senseless death of George Floyd. This was a horrific act of violence. The investigation is still under way, and we do not know if his death was racially motivated. Be that as it may, the ensuing social unrest has fostered a feeling of racial inequality that continues to be an unfortunate feature of life in the United States, and indeed around the world. We have been given an opportunity for dialogue.
We, as a society, must be willing to have difficult conversations about the reality of racial divisions that stain our great nation. We must be willing to have real, raw conversations in order to come up with solutions.
Our heart also goes out to the brave men and women in uniform who put their life on the line day and night to keep order and uphold the law. We recognize that the overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers are good and courageous people who love what they do and are careful with the power with which they have been entrusted.
The leadership of Lev HaShem is heartbroken by recent events in our nation, and we urge people to remember that we are ALL children of the L-rd G-d of Israel. We are also saddened when these assaults on human dignity and life lead to escalating violence, discord, contention, and profound chaos. Evil has never been resolved by combating it with more evil.
Each and every individual should be treated with dignity and love as the Holy One commanded: “You shall love the L-RD your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” – D’varim (Deuteronomy) 6:5. And again: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:31. HaShem calls each of us to forsake attitudes of prejudice against anyone or any group of His children. We may not always agree with lifestyles or choices, but we can speak the truth in love.
We have a need to foster a fundamental respect for the human dignity of every human soul, regardless of their color, religious creed, or cause, and we need to work tirelessly to build bridges of understanding rather than creating walls of segregation.
May we each find it in our heart to love more and deeply. May we take joy in all of G-d’s creation and love each of His precious children. May we reach out with kindness and embrace our differences and seek to be a nation of inclusion, even when we disagree.
