On July 2, Jewish Deaf Community Center announced support for the Black community’s fight for racial justice and efforts to dismantle systemic racism. JDCC launched the 18 Chai project and would accept donations from people wanting to make a difference.
Eighteen is the numerical value of the Hebrew word “chai” which means “life”. In the Jewish community, it is a Jewish custom to give monetary gifts in increments of 18, thus symbolically blessing the recipient of the gift with a long good life.
JDCC encouraged people to make donations in any combination of $18 to be split equally between Black Deaf Center and National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA).
The Jewish Deaf Community Center (JDCC) denounces all forms of racism and violence against Black people. More than 50% of people killed by police have some kind of disability so the Black Deaf community faces an even higher risk. Instead of only talking about the struggles that the Black Deaf community faces, we want to take action.
We are pleased to announce that a total of $1,350.00 with each organization getting $675.00. This amount represents CHAI 75 times, in increments of 18.
Thank you to those who supported this cause.
Source: Jewish Deaf Community Center