Interfaith Green Network stands against antisemitism
Synagogue shootings; recent vandalism in Chicago and Lincolnwood; casual everyday slurs, even in Oak Park and River Forest—antisemitic incidents are on the rise. This is wrong. We, the members of Interfaith Green Network, are offering public support for our Jewish neighbors.
Founded 10 years ago to address climate change issues in Oak Park and River Forest, the Interfaith Green Network decries all hatred and bigotry. We welcome member congregations of any faith. By working together, we all have learned about different religious traditions, and have found that, importantly, earth care, or care of creation, is central to all.
Antisemitism is not somehow “more socially acceptable” than other forms of religious and/or racial prejudice. The campaign to exterminate an entire people during the Holocaust was a particularly horrible episode in human history. Even today, few places exist where Jews can go about their business, and especially worship, in peace, freedom, and safety. In the United States, Christian churches operate safely in ways that Jewish congregations, with today’s increasing need for extra security, can only dream of.
Contrary to a common misconception, the U.S. was not founded as, and is not, a “Christian nation.” The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of assembly. The separation of church and state is a central pillar that helps circumvent the theocratic oppression and religious nationalism afflicting numerous other countries. Hatred, discrimination against, and physical attacking other people on the basis of their religion (often conflated with race, ethnicity and culture), is literally un-American.
At Interfaith Green Network we know that solving climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon, sustainable and hopefully just society will require people of all backgrounds freely sharing their multifarious talents and abilities. Our diverse congregations are committed to supporting one another as we work together in fellowship and good faith.
Morris Applebaum, Jim Babcock, Mary Margaret Bartley, Adrian Ayres Fisher, Art Spooner
On behalf of the entire IGN membership
Oak Park
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