APRIL 29 • 2021 | 33

NATION

J

ewish groups reacted to the verdict 
on April 20 of former Minneapolis 
police officer Derek Chauvin, who 
was found guilty of murder and manslaugh-
ter in the death of George Floyd.
Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, touched 
off massive worldwide protests, violence 
and an examination of U.S. race relations 
and police conduct in the last year. The 
Jewish community — active in civil rights 
and with a long history of Black-Jewish 
ties — reacted with outrage over Floyd’s 
death, one of a number of high-profile cases 
nationwide.
Some groups, however, also condemned 
the riots that erupted as part of demon-
strataions last spring and summer, includ-
ing damage that occurred to synagogues 
and Jewish businesses.
Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of sec-
ond-degree murder, third-degree murder 
and second-degree manslaughter.
In a statement, the Anti-Defamation 
League said that the “decision to hold Derek 
Chauvin accountable for the murder of 
George Floyd is a critically necessary first in 
securing #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd.
”
“It is long past time for our country to 
tackle systemic racism, reimagine what 
public safety looks like, and create transfor-
mational change to ensure justice and fair 
treatment for all people.
”

The American Jewish Committee said 
“nothing can bring back the life of George 
Floyd. But, at the very least, justice has been 
served today.
”
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs 
noted that the verdict is “an initial step 
toward accountability, justice and healing.
”
The Jewish Community Relations 
Council of Minneapolis said in a statement: 
‘While no guilty verdict can bring George 
Floyd back or make his family and friends 
fully whole for their loss or unwind the 
trauma inflicted on the broader African 
American community, we hope that today’s 
decision brings some measure of justice, 
healing and peace to his loved ones and for 
all Minnesotans.
’”
The Democratic Majority for Israel said 
the verdict “represents an important step 
toward addressing the grave injustices he 
and so many other people of color have 
suffered. DMFI will continue to advocate 
for policies that will dismantle the systemic 
racism that plagues our country.
”
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union 
for Reform Judaism, tweeted: “Do not 
stand idly by while your neighbor bleeds 
(Leviticus 19:16). Over a billion people saw 
George Floyd murdered. Even more heard 
today’s just verdict. For too long too many 
have stood idly by. No more.
”
The Jewish Federations of North America 

tweeted that “while no guilty verdict can 
bring George Floyd back, we hope that 
today’s decision brings some measure of 
justice, healing & peace. We know that there 
is much work to do. Our resolve to address 
real & legitimate concerns about racial dis-
crimination has never been stronger.
”
Jewish on Campus tweeted: “Today’s con-
viction of Derek Chauvin is a step toward 
accountability. There is still work to be 
done.
“We at Jewish on Campus send our 
support to the Black community in the 
fight against anti-Black racism. We will 
continue to work alongside you for justice. 
#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd”
Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle 
in New York City, said in a statement: “We 
recommit ourselves to reimagining public 
safety that respects human dignity and 
ensures people of color and communities of 
color the rights, freedom and safety that are 
so long overdue. And we continue to part-
ner with organizations led by our sisters and 
brothers of color as we work to end centu-
ries of systemic racism in our country.
” 

Look forward to the May 6 Detroit Jewish News 

for an essay from Rabbi Daniel Syme and Rev. 

Kenneth Flowers on what this verdict means for 

Detroit’s Black and Jewish communities.

Jewish Groups
React to
Chauvin Verdict

JNS.ORG

Protesters rally 
and march in 
Bryant Park, 
N.Y., on the first 
day of the trial 
of Minneapolis 
police officer 
Derek Chauvin, 
regarding 
the killing of 
George Floyd 
on May 25, 
2020. 

JNS.ORG: LEV RADIN/SHUTTERSTOCK

