We also call for justice for the other Black lives taken at the hands of police officers and white supremacist violence - George Floyd, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Sean Reed, James Scurlock, and countless more.
We, as members of the Jewish community in Louisville, and especially as white Jews, commit to rising up for Black lives using all of our spiritual, political, and intellectual resources — and to also work to dismantle racism and white supremacy in our Jewish community.
We stand in solidarity with the demands of Black Lives Matter Louisville:
- Louisville Mayor, Greg Fischer, and the City Council must address the use of force by Louisville Metro Police Department.
- Immediately fire and revoke the pensions of the officers that murdered Breonna. Arrest and charge them for this crime. Ensure the newly requested special prosecutor, State AG Daniel Cameron, seeks full transparency and accountability.
- Provide all necessary information to a local, independent civilian community police accountability council.
- Create policy to ensure transparent investigation processes.
- Ensure that there are no charges for Kenneth Walker, Breonna’s boyfriend, who attempted to defend them and their home.
- Eliminate use of no-knock warrants
Why this matters to us as Jews:
We just finished celebrating the holiday of Shavuot, commemorating the moment that we received the Torah and became the Jewish people, with a social contract and obligations to one another.
The protests of this past week are calling our city and country to examine our social contract — and to take action for Black lives. This includes not just ending police violence and mass incarceration but investment in housing, health, education, community, and care.
It’s past time to build a Louisville and an America where Black people are no longer killed by the police. It’s past time to see that these demands for the safety and dignity of Black lives are the floor, not the ceiling, for a society in which we are all truly free to live and love.
That promise of a liberated future is being called into being by Black organizers and activists. Thousands of Americans, young and old, of all races and ethnicities, are already in the streets, providing mutual aid, donating to bail funds, and calling for justice.
But we also see police departments across the country erupting in violence against protesters, elected officials, and journalists alike - knowing all too well in Louisville that Black people are in disproportionate danger when in the presence of police.
Right now a more just America is struggling to be born. Our choice is clear: We rise as one so we can thrive as many.