Thursday, June 4, 2020

Black Lives Matter: the statement is true, so use it.



I have been uncomfortable with the core Black Lives Matters organization for a long time, in part due to anti-zionism and its form of anti-semitism.  However, at this time in history they have won the battle for the slogan, and society at large has adopted the Black Lives Matter slogan as a statement of truth.  We all agree that “Black Lives Matter.”  The phrase has become a national awareness that far transcends the particular organization within.  To say "All Lives Matter" now, though true, is heard as denying that black lives matter.  Please read my previous sermons on this topic, which has been a priority for me in recent years.

For those who think I am suddenly betraying my “no politics from the bima,” you may be surprised to know about the following

Rabbi Tobin First Day Rosh Hashanah, 2015 Black Lives Matter
Rabbi Tobin First Day Rosh Hashanah, 2017   White Supremacy on the Rise: A History of Racism in America

We have a moral voice for racial equality, social and economic justice, and the accountability of power.  I don’t see those issues as remotely controversial.

Rabbi Tobin

No comments:

Post a Comment