The Jewish Deaf Congress (JDC), Jewish Deaf Resource Center (JDRC), and Washington Society of Jewish Deaf (WSJD) issued this joint statement:
“We stand against antisemitism, implicit and explicit, by individuals, groups, and organizations, anywhere and anytime. We unequivocally support the statement made by the Hillel at Gallaudet.
“We stand with the Black Lives Matter movement and are committed to ending systemic racism and systemic injustice of all kinds. Just lowering the curtain on a program ends neither racism nor antisemitism. Action and commitment are imperative.
“Gallaudet produces leaders, teachers, and role models throughout the world. All forms of systemic injustice have an impact on everyone in society. Consequently, we ask the Gallaudet administration to involve representatives from the Hillel at Gallaudet and Jewish Deaf individuals at Gallaudet, in discussions about reforms to end overt and covert racist and antisemitic manifestations at Gallaudet University. The University must ensure a safe and affirming space, free of negative isms, to enable students and staff to participate effectively in an exemplary learning environment.
“Martin Luther King stated: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” He also stated: “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” It is in this spirit of seeking restorative and healing justice that we write this statement instead of being silent.
“As members of the Jewish Deaf community, we commit ourselves to tikkun olam (repairing the world), to live the values we profess, and to transform our words into actions of love and compassion, so that we may contribute to bringing about justice and peace for all.”
Source: Washington Society of Jewish Deaf
