Many in the Jewish and general community are asking – “What can we do to stand in support of the Black community after the horrific white supremacist fueled-hate on May 14 that left 10 Black people killed and 3 others injured at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue?”
As members of the Buffalo Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) dedicated to building a more caring and civil community, we created immediate, short and long-term responses following the guidance of Buffalo Black-led organizations.
Immediate: Like many in our community, we reached out to our friends and community partners to share our horror and compassion. We wrote a powerful statement that focused on the reality that this was Black racism. We attended and helped lead interfaith vigils, and worked with our JFS who provided a list of resources where people could contribute mental health expertise, time, food and funds. We dropped off food and groceries and hosted meals so that our friends could share their grief.
Short Term: We will continue amplifying all the Black-led organizations who are providing food, mental health care and volunteer opportunities. There is strong need for immediate services, but this is not sustainable. Some of these organizations include Buffalo Community Fridge, Resource Center of WNY, Buffalo Urban League and Black Love Resists in the Rust, African Heritage Food Co-op and Open Buffalo.
Long Term: There are many longer-term issue to address. They include: Combatting white supremacy and anti-Black and antisemitic hate; Gun Control/Safety; Diversity, Equity and Belonging work throughout Buffalo and it's surrounding communities; Changing the disparities by chiseling away at social determinants of health such as economic, social, housing, education, and health disparities; and Building sustainable relationships with our neighbors.
