In the wake of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, many people felt sadness, anger, fear—and hopelessness. All of those reactions linger today. But the Tree of Life tragedy should also be a call to action. As the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said in his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech,
“Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of this moment.”
It was true then and it is true now. Bigotry and violence should have no place in our country. And there are things we can do about it…
VOTE!
Election Day is Tuesday, November 6!
Every 2 years we have an opportunity to shape the legislative branch of our federal, state and local governments. Whether you have been satisfied or dissatisfied with how your public representatives have been voting or responding to current events, this is your opportunity to make sure that those who reflect your vision of America get a seat at the decision-making table!
For more information about where, when and how to vote, click here!
DONATE!
Tanenbaum systematically dismantles religious hatred and violence and promotes respect for people of all religious beliefs. Last week, we were named 1 of the top 5 interreligious organizations to support (see article here).
Our actions can make a difference and supporting organizations that preserve freedom of religion and respect is one of the best ways to take action.
PARTICIPATE IN CIVIL DISCOURSE!
Bullying, marginalization, violence and propaganda. None of it’s new. What is new is the scale, frequency and ubiquitousness of disinformation. Tanenbaum’s Combating Extremism campaign is a public education initiative that dismantles stereotypes and counters fake news. As part of this campaign, we regularly post free, practical resources for home, work, school, places of worship and/or your community. Below are some of our resources for beginning conversations:
- Guidelines for Conducting Open Conversations: A “How-To” guide to help you share and discuss all of our Combating Extremism resources.
- White Supremacy: An Overview: A comprehensive fact sheet about the varied white supremacist movements and groups.
- Opposition to Places of Worship and Religious Practices in the U.S.: See how historical opposition to places of worship affected so many communities and how it continues to do so…
- What is Fake News? Do You Know?: Fake News – the Five Key Takeaways
- Five Ways to Counter Extremists on Social Media: A “How To” resource sheet for rising above social media extremists and right-wing hate groups.
- Calls and Prayers for Peace and Justice: Read calls and prayers for peace and justice from many of the world’s great religions and philosophical traditions. They echo common threads that connect us, regardless of our different beliefs or lack of belief.
Click here for the access to all Combating Extremism campaign resources.
INTENTIONALLY CREATE SPACE!
This is the moment for communities to invest time and energy in one another. One way is to intentionally create space for interfaith and cross-group action projects in your communities. Another is to proactively establish conversations and dialogues in your houses of faith, community centers and homes – and to practice listening even when you may disagree. Some organization with helpful resources include United Religions Initiative, Interfaith Youth Core and Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia.
ENGAGE WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
TUNE INTO OUR LIVESTREAM! – On Thursday, November 15th, Controversial Conversations: A story of collaboration between a Sikh and a skinhead. Listen and learn from this important discussion between a former extremist and leader in the white nationalist movement, Arno Michaelis, and his partner Pardeep Kaleka on how they moved beyond hate. Make sure to tune into Tanenbaum’s Facebook or Instagram for the livestream at 6pm that evening!
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! – Keep up to date with interreligious understanding news and events by following us on social media! Followers receive regular updates about everything religion related from around the world, as well as local interreligious activities and conversations from across the nation.
SHARE, COMMENT, REPOST! – When you engage in the conversation, you help us as we keep working to make a better world.