By Rabbi Joshua Stanton 

Jewish communities have always thrived when in close relationship with surrounding religious and cultural groups. Our golden ages of community life have been marked by Convivencia in Christian Spain, protected status in Ayyubid Egypt, and trade routes that enabled us to exchange not only merchandise but also ideas around the world.

While October 7th has made many of us feel more vulnerable as Jews living in North America, we remain far from alone. We have Muslim, Catholic, Evangelical, Mainline Protestant, and Hindu friends -- to name but a few. They not only enrich our lives and strengthen our sense of connection to the wider society. They also have shown up for us as allies in this year of acute need. A number have also given voice to their support in videos that Jewish Federations have shared in commemoration of October 7th.

These videos of support and solidarity are from spiritual leaders from many walks of life, traditions, and political streams. We have heard from cardinals, bishops, pastors, and imams; Hindu lay leaders and friends from countless backgrounds. They have affirmed that they care about the Jewish community, stand with it against antisemitism, and understand our pain in the year that has elapsed since October 7th. 

We ask all of our interfaith allies raise their voices in support, sympathy, and solidarity. Please reach out to a local Jewish Federation and affirm your sense of affinity. Contact a local rabbi or cantor or Jewish professional and build a relationship of trust and mutual support. Participate in a rally organized by a Jewish Federation or one of its affiliates. Record a video of solidarity and support – just like one of these – and share it on social media. Tag Jewish Federations of North America, so that we can reshare it, too. 

The Jewish community is not alone. May we share in the blessings of friendship together.

 

Click here for a message from Anju Bhargava, Sheikh Musa Drammeh, Pastor Mark Haywood, Associate Pastor Jill Livingston and Pastor Todd Stavarkos. 

Click here for a message from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Joseph Bambera, Bishop Robert Stearns, Pastor Sam Rodriguez, Rev. Dr. Sidney Wheatle, Pastor Herbie Miller, and Associate Pastor Jill Livingston.