August 28, 2020

Many of us awoke Monday to the news that Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by a Kenosha, Wisconsin police officer, while Mr. Blake’s three children sat in the backseat of the vehicle.

Compounding the agony and anger felt over this gruesome act, was the news that a white 17-year-old from Illinois shot three people protesting police violence, killing two. We were relieved to learn that the suspect was arrested and charged.

Then, as night fell on Wednesday in Minneapolis, chaotic and painful scenes unfolded downtown with the circulation of false rumors that a black man who died in an apparent murder-suicide had been killed by police.

The property destruction that ensued speaks to a tremendous lack of trust between law enforcement and many members of Minnesota’s black community, as aptly noted by Minneapolis City Council Member Jeremiah Ellison. It also struck a heavy blow to businesses facing grave economic challenges due to the pandemic. The civil unrest.

It remains clear that systemic change and immediate relief are both needed to help our state and nation heal from generations of racism and the layers of hardship caused by COVID-19.

We maintain our call for justice for all victims of police violence and for structural reforms to pave a better future for all Americans. The time is now.

Shabbat Shalom.