In wake of Pittsburgh, a demonstration of support

As members of the Association of Campus Ministers at the University of Iowa, we wish to express our love, appreciation and support for the Jewish community, synagogues and campus ministries of Schulman Hillel and Chabad-Lubavitch in the wake of the murder of the 11 Jewish worshippers in Pittsburgh.

We are appalled and grieved at this act of hatred. We call on all to take a stand against anti-Semitism in any form - word, deed or spirit - and to replace both hatred and complacency with concrete expressions of compassion.

Anti-Semitism is a disease. Like racism, white nationalism and other forms of bigotry, it is a symptom of a condition that is terminal. Individuals, communities, nations who give in to prejudice endanger not only those whom they target, but also themselves. It is imperative that we recognize the seriousness of this condition.

When cancer is discovered in the human body, measures are taken - often extreme measures - to remove it. All of it. No one is complacent about cancer cells; they cannot be left to grow.

The same is true of hatred. If we are to survive as a democracy and live well in community, we must not be complacent about anti-Semitism, racism and the politics of hatred.

Join us in demonstrating support for our Jewish brothers and sisters at 5:30 p.m. today at Iowa Hillel, as we link arms around the building before the Shabbat dinner as a show of solidarity and fellowship.

Kevin Kummer

UI Campus Minister

Iowa City