Jan 12, 2015

A Time for Unity with the Jews of France

“Wherever men or women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must – at that moment – become the center of the universe.”
-Elie Weisel in his 1986 Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech

The terrorist massacre of 12 people at Charlie Hebdo… the killing of the four French Jews at a kosher market just hours before Shabbat… the closing of Paris’ Grande Synagogue for the first time since World War II… the fears of ongoing anti-Semitism in Europe’s largest Jewish community… Last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris demonstrated to Jews and non-Jews everywhere that Jewish life in France is difficult and uncertain, and that the need for worldwide support is critical. We are all outraged and pledge to do everything possible to take a stand against the scourge of violence perpetrated by radicalized Jihadists.

We are also heartened by the strong show of international – and interfaith – solidarity demonstrated at Sunday’s march in Paris. At the same time, we know that in Miami we must also put our thoughts into action through financial and physical support of the Jews in France during this difficult time.

In solidarity with the French Jewish community and together with other Jewish communities across the U.S., the Greater Miami Jewish Federation has established the French Jewish Unity Fund. One hundred percent of all donations made to this special fund will be forwarded to our overseas partners to:

• Support the families of the Jews murdered last week and the other victims of the terrorist attacks
• Assist the French Jewish community in meeting the increased security needs of Jewish institutions and schools
• Provide additional funding for the increased aliyah and absorption of French Jews seeking the safety of Israel. In the last year, more than 7,000 Jews have made aliyah, triple the number from 2013.

If you want to be part of our collective response in providing assistance for Jewish needs in France, please click here.

You may also send a check payable to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, 4200 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33137 with a notation for French Jewish Unity Fund. For personal assistance, please call 305.576.4000, ext. 428.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation offers our unwavering support for the French Jewish community and sends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of terror. Please share your personal words of condolence and solidarity with the families by clicking here.

While there is no information to suggest any specific or imminent threat to Jewish locations here in Miami, we are working closely with law enforcement officials and have continued to work with local Jewish organizations to review their security procedures and remain vigilant.

May the memory of those who died this past week forever be a blessing. And may we all know a time when it is safe to be a Jew everywhere in the world and when tolerance, understanding, freedom of speech and democracy are universally accepted.