FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2020 

MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah Clements, West End Strategy Team
sclements@westendstrategy.com; 202-765-8584 

The National Council of Jewish Women Voices Outrage and Demands Action Over George Floyd’s Murder

WASHINGTON / MINNEAPOLIS – The National Council of Jewish Women and the National Council of Jewish Women-Minnesota released the following statements today in response to the murder of Minnesotan George Floyd:

Beth Gendler, Executive Director of NCJW Minnesota:

“As a Minnesotan, I am grieving today. I am appalled that George Floyd is dead. I am shaken to know that this kind of crime happens nearly every day nationwide.  I am thinking of the millions of Black and Brown families across America who yet again have to explain to their children why George Floyd was killed, why his words of ‘I can’t breathe’ were simply ignored. And we are horrified that organized white supremacists are preying on our grief to incite violence and wreak havoc in our communities.

“What happened on Monday in my state is a microcosm of communities all over the country right now, from Atlanta to Louisville to Tallahassee. No parent should have to worry about the safety of their child when they leave home to go to school, to pick up groceries, to get gas to drive, to live, to work, and to be Black in America. I continue to be outraged that this is still the case today. Affirming dignity, sanctity and fairness for all of humanity is at the core of our Jewish faith. It is imperative that we ensure that all of us, particularly those most impacted by hatred and violence, are protected and cared for equally.” 

Sheila Katz, CEO of The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW): 

“We will not remain silent. As a national organization made up of over 100,000 advocates in communities around the country — including Minnesota — we are outraged and devastated by the murder of George Floyd. Mr. Floyd was murdered by multiple police officers who held him down with their knees, however, the underlying cause of his death is systemic racism. It is both unacceptable and exhausting that in 2020, we still need to insist over and over again: Black Lives Matter. 

“The arrest of one involved officer on third-degree murder charges is a necessary step towards accountability for George Floyd’s death, but ultimately all officers who were present and did nothing to intervene must be brought to justice. And Minnesota officials must do a full investigation into police brutality and racism in their state and must commit to changes that confront these cycles of violence.

“Mr. Floyd’s family has shared a hope for justice that includes systematic changes to prevent such atrocities from happening again. We share this hope and recommit as an organization to ending the hate-filled and senseless violence that has taken the beautiful souls of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and countless others. Through legislative reform, local activism, and by educating NCJW advocates, we will make sure each individual we engage helps end the toxic culture of racism that permeates our country. 

“For now, it is important to support Black and Brown communities and the leaders spearheading the peaceful, anti-racist responses unfolding. Together, we will make sure the memory of George Floyd will be for a blessing.”

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The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.