As part of a growing trend of public expression of hate in this country, antisemitic incidents are on the rise — whether in the form of violence, such as synagogue shootings; or recent targeted vandalism in Chicago and Lincolnwood; or casual everyday slurs, sometimes in the form of “jokes” heard in public, even in Oak Park and River Forest. In light of these attacks, we, the members of Interfaith Green Network (IGN), are stating publicly our support for our Jewish neighbors.
Founded 10 years ago to address climate change issues in Oak Park and River Forest, the IGN decries hatred and bigotry in all its forms. We welcome members of any faith. Our network includes Catholic, Protestant, Quaker, Baha’i, and Jewish congregations. We emphasize education and advocacy, while offering fellowship and mutual aid. By working together, we all have learned about religious traditions different than our own, and have found the important commonality that Earth care, or care of creation, is central to all.
Antisemitism is wrong. It is not somehow “more socially acceptable” than other forms of religious and/or racial prejudice, such as that directed against Muslims, or Black, Hispanic, Asian, or Native-American people. The campaign to exterminate an entire people during the Holocaust was a particularly horrible episode in human history, a history cluttered with past and ongoing genocidal events. Sadly, a poisonous current of antisemitism continues to flow around the world, such that in few places can Jews go about their business, and especially worship, in peace, freedom, and safety. Here in the U.S., Christian churches often are open and welcoming in ways that Jewish congregations, with today’s increasing need for extra wariness and 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 explicitly guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of assembly. The separation of church and state is a central pillar. Though the founders and many of their policies were crucially flawed, here they showed good foresight by circumventing the theocratic oppression and religious nationalism common at the time — and still afflicting other countries today.
To hate, to discriminate against, and to physically attack other people on the basis of their religion (often conflated with race, ethnicity, and culture), is literally un-American. This should go without saying, but our times are such that those of us who hold to these principles should be reminding everyone, loudly and publicly, what they are and why they are important.
At IGN we are committed to these principles. Furthermore, transitioning to a sustainable, and hopefully just, low-carbon society will need everyone’s contribution. In our experience, a group of people from different backgrounds and faith traditions freely sharing their multifarious talents and abilities, is uniquely suited to this kind of work. Our diverse congregations are committed to supporting one another as we work in fellowship and good faith.
Interfaith Green Network
Oak Park
