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