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Stronger Than Hate – Buffalo Stands with Pittsburgh

We grieve and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.

The shooting on Shabbat morning (October 27, 2018) at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA was a direct attack on the Jewish community, motivated by hatred.  The anti-Semitism and xenophobia that fueled these violent acts have no place in our society.

Resources

Click here to download a copy of the Buffalo Jewish Community Relations Council OFFICIAL STATEMENT regarding the Pittsburgh Massacre.

Numerous people in the community, both Jewish and non-Jewish attended Shabbat services November 2 – 3, 2018 to show their solidarity.  Every synagogue opened their doors to people of all faiths, backgrounds and affiliations. Click here for a listing of synagogues throughout Jewish Buffalo if you wish to join in a future Shabbat service.

On Saturday, November 3, 2018, the community gathered for Let There Be Light at The Tabernacle, which honored the lives of those lost in the Pittsburgh Synagogue tragedy by recommitting to peace and acceptance for all.

Need help talking to your children about anti-Semitism?  Click here for an article from PJ Library.

Here are opportunities for you to provide DONATIONS honoring those who died in the attack:

To see local media coverage on the event, click here for a listing of links to articles, videos and interviews.

Community Relations

Vision

Inspired by Jewish values, Buffalo Federation’s Jewish Community Relations initiative seeks to sustain a more civil and caring community in Western New York and around the world.

Mission

Representing the Buffalo Jewish community, leaders of the Initiative will:

  • Build meaningful and collaborative relationships with other faith, ethnic, and cultural communities toward the goal of building a more civil society.
  • Be visible and vocal in the greater community during times of crisis and on vital social issues.
  • Be actively involved in key issues impacting the Jewish community
  • Educate and advocate on all those issues, seeking consensus based on core Jewish values.

 

Values

Respecting all viewpoints and with concern for social justice, leaders of the Initiative will build our collective voice based on the following core Jewish values:

Tikkun Olam

Repair the world. Making the world a better place for all people.

B’Tselem Elokim

All created in G-d’s image. Ensuring respect for individuals regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or physical or intellectual capabilities.

Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh La Zeh

All in the House of Israel are responsible for one another. Working to support and aid Jews at home, in Israel and around the world.

Shlom Bayit

Peace in the home. Committing to settling disputes and engaging in all our activities in a peaceful and respectful manner.

Ger Hayiti B’Eretz Nachriyah

I was a stranger in a strange land. Caring for the immigrant and the stranger, welcoming those who seek refuge in our community.

Lo Ta’amod Al Dam Rey’echa

Do not stand idly by. Making our voice heard on issues of vital importance to the Jewish community and the communities in which Jews live.

Darchei Shalom

Paths of peace. Keeping peace through ongoing inter-group relations, promoting mutual respect, and fostering understanding within our community.

Im ein ani li, mi li? U’kh’she’ani le’atzmi, mah ani? V’im lo’akhshav, eimatai?

If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And, if not now, when? Advocating for Jewish community interests while working in concert with other faith, ethnic and cultural communities to simultaneously pursue issues of mutual concern.

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Contact Community Relations

Buffalo Jewish Service Corps

Federation, in partnership with the American Red Cross, supports the Buffalo Jewish Services Corps (BJSC), a Jewish response team that is at the ready to respond to local emergencies as an adjunct for Red Cross and other organizations. BJSC members have received basic Red Cross training such as Sheltering and Psychological First Aid. The Corps is always looking for new team members. Please contact Federation’s office to learn more about how you can be a part of BJSC.