Yesterday’s evil attack in Jerusalem betrays the values on which Israel was founded and to which Jewish community life should aspire.

Six people were stabbed at a Gay Pride Parade. The Pride Parade allows thousands of people to openly and proudly be themselves. And it represents the values and diversity we support. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we pray for a swift and full recovery for all those involved.

I’m proud that Israel’s democracy has fostered a culture where people can be free to organize and march in a pride parade. I’m proud that this terror attack was condemned by so many. Because it’s time to calm the waves of hatred that spill over into our community.

Factionalism leads to hatred, to kicking people and groups out of the communal tent, to attacks on those deemed different. These practices have to stop. If you claim to love the Jewish People, then devote less time to fighting them. If you want to fight boycotts, stop calling to boycott other Jewish groups. If you want to build bridges to Jews, stop blowing them up for Jewish groups with which you disagree.

Senator Cory Booker wrote this a while back. It’s as relevant today – perhaps more so – as it was when he wrote it:

Before you speak to me about your religion, first show it to me in how you treat other people; before you tell me how much you love your God, show me in how much you love all His children; before you preach to me of your passion for your faith, teach me about it through your compassion for your neighbors. In the end, I'm not as interested in what you have to tell or sell as in how you choose to live and give.

Shabbat shalom. Let this be a weekend of peace and quiet and respect. We need it.

 

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