Silicon Valley Interreligious Council (SiVIC) builds interreligious harmony and understanding to promote a just and compassionate society in Silicon Valley.
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Interfaith leaders speak out against travel ban
SiVIC Board Members Kate Chance, Diane Fisher, and Andrew Kille joined ING Director Maha ElGenaidi at a press conference on March 6, responding to the Administration’s renewal of the immigration and refugee ban.
Los Gatos JCC receives bomb threat
It’s happened yet again. The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos was evacuated due to a bomb threat. [See story here.]
Last week, the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto was evacuated after receiving a similar threat. Across the county, more than 73 such centers have received similar threats. Jewish cemeteries in St. Louis and Philadelphia have been desecrated. Mosques, including the Evergreen Islamic Center, have received threats and individual Muslims have been harassed. A man yelling “get out of my country” shot two Indian men in Kansas, killing one and wounding the other.
Incidents of harassment against immigrants and suspected immigrants are on the rise. I believe it is only a handful of people who are acting out, but their actions affect many of our friends and neighbors, not just Jews or Muslims, Sikhs or Hindus.
Some misguided people in our midst seem to believe that since the election the rules of civility have changed, and that it is now somehow acceptable to lash out against our brothers and sisters. They are sadly mistaken. This is not our way; this behavior is not acceptable in our nation.
An attack on anyone because of their religion or race is an attack on us all, and together we will rise to defend all the diverse religions and cultures that together make up our Silicon Valley community.
It’s time for the Justice Department to get serious about investigating these incidents, and arresting and prosecuting those responsible.
And as for the rest of us- visit your local JCC. They sponsor events and classes open to the whole community. Bring a friend. Join. Donate. Reach out.
Rev. D. Andrew Kille
Chair, SiVIC
Assistance for Flood Victims
News for those who are interested in assisting the victims of the recent flooding in our area:
This week, HomeFirst took over the operation of the overnight shelter from the Red Cross for San Jose residents displaced in the recent floods. We served a total of 196 individuals the first night, including many homeless people that were impacted.
We are working round the clock right now to help people stay safe, fed, and connected to resources and we need your help. Our urgent needs include:
- Volunteers to provide and serve lunch/dinner, M-W & Weekends
- Donations of bath towels and toiletry items
- Donations of laundry detergent pods
- Gifts of cash, stock, or other support
Volunteer groups can contact dbingham@homefirstscc.org to join the HomeFirst service calendar. Donations of wish list items can be made directly at Seven Trees Community Center, 3590 Cas Drive, San Jose 24/7.
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE
Thank you to all the partners who have already stepped up to help, including the City of San Jose, Hunger at Home, Tzu Chi Foundation, White Road Baptist Church, Bellarmine AMEN group, and HomeFirst Annex Volunteers.