Black Lives Matter.
We're rising up for Black liberation.
In 2020 we joined over 600 other Jewish organizations to say unequivocally that Black Lives Matter. Today and everyday, we are continuing and affirming that commitment:
When Jewish people join together with our neighbors across racial and religious differences, as we have in the past, we can protect each other and build the future of freedom and safety we all deserve.
Jewish tradition teaches us that justice is not something that will be bestowed upon us, it is something that we need to pursue, and that the pursuit is itself sacred work. We’ll show up for each other every time one of us is targeted because of our differences, and reject any effort to use fear to divide us against each other.
The Black Lives Matter movement is the current day Civil Rights movement in this country, and it is our best chance at equity and justice. By supporting this movement, we can build a country that fulfills the promise of freedom, unity, and safety for all of us, no exceptions.
Imagining our shared future
Learn about the BREATHE Act
The BREATHE Act is a visionary legislative framework introduced by the Movement for Black Lives in 2020. It calls for the divestment of our taxpayer dollars from brutal and discriminatory policing and our collective investment in a new vision of public safety. Right now, Bend the Arc chapters around the country are working on campaigns that reflect this framework and offer us a new path forward.
Black Futures Month 2023
Celebrating Black futures
At Bend the Arc, we celebrate Black futures during Black Futures Month (February) and year-round. In honor of Black Futures Month this year, we shared reflections from Graie Hagans; created a special new playlist, L'atidim sh'chorim / Towards Black Futures; and compiled a list of Black Jewish writers, thinkers, organizers, and creators who move and inspire us:
In 2014, our community showed up powerfully to support the Ferguson uprising and say that Black Lives Matter
Across the country, Bend the Arc members shared photos of Black Lives Matter signs with their hanukkiot
In 2015, we helped organize an interfaith Black Lives Matter action
After police murdered Breonna Taylor, Bend the Arc leaders in Louisville put out a powerful defund police zine1
In 2020 we proudly signed on to Not Free to Desist: an open letter to reimagine our collective Jewish covenant2
In 2020, we joined over 600 Jewish groups who signed a full-page New York Times ad stating “We say unequivocally: Black Lives Matter"3
Since 2021, New Mexico leaders have partnered up with a local synagogue to adopt community safety plans that don’t rely on guns, guards, and gates
For Hanukkah in 2022, we made a BREATHE Act text study guide to help our community ground in rededication4
Memphis leaders are working with local partners to fight for police accountability after the police murders of Tyre Nichols & Jaylin McKenzie5
In May 2023, Ben from Bend the Arc Atlanta delivered a searing public comment to the Atlanta City Council against funding for Cop City6
In 2023, Pittsburgh leaders helped Sara Innamorato win the Allegheny County Executive primary — a key step for increased community safety investments7
In June 2023, we launched Your Safety Is My Safety — a video series highlighting our visions of community safety beyond the limits of our fears8
Ohio leaders are fighting for abortion rights and amplifying how the fight for reproductive justice impacts Black & brown communities9
California leaders are campaigning to restore voting rights to people who are incarcerated in California10
Links referenced in slides above:
- Defund the Police Zine by Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Louisville
- Not Free to Desist
- Majority of American Jews in Full Page New York Times Ad: “Unequivocally: Black Lives Matter.”
- Bend the Arc Hanukkah Text Study 5783
- Decarcerate Memphis
- WATCH: Public comments against funding for Cop City in Atlanta
- Local wins & stories from Bend the Arc
- Bend the Arc Presents: Your Safety Is My Safety
- The vision of reproductive justice includes the right to personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities. Learn more here.
- Letter to Isaac Bryan, California State Assembly
Download Jews for Black Lives Sign
