As you have likely heard, there is a "Free Speech Rally" planned for this Saturday in Boston Common. This event couches its hateful and bigoted intentions in the language of free speech; We are sending out information about three gatherings and actions planned by broad coalitions of people of faith, labor unions, and other activists aiming to counter this hate.We recognize that certain actions may not fall within your Shabbat observance practices.Click here to read the Jewish Labor Commitment statement on the events in Charlottesville last Saturday.
Greater Boston Interfaith Organization: gbioInterfaith Gathering of Unity, Love, and Strength
When: Friday, August 18th | 5:00 p.m.Where: Temple Israel in Boston, 477 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02215At GBIO's Spring Delegates Assembly in April, GBIO adopted the, "Out of Many, One" campaign to fight against threats to vulnerable communities. On Friday we will continue in the spirit of this campaign as we stand together as an organized powerful voice in Greater Boston. We will hear inspiring words from faith leaders across Greater Boston, as we stand together against all forms of hatred, to affirm the power of love and righteousness. All members of clergy will be invited to stand together on the bima (raised platform), in full spiritual regalia.At 6 p.m., Temple Israel invites the interfaith community to join them for "A Sabbath of Love and Light," a Shabbat worship experience open to all, devoted to the values of justice and compassion. Please extend this invitation to your family and friends. This is the time for us to be together with all who wish to counter messages of hatred by kindling the light of compassion and human dignity for all.Additionally, a group of interreligious leaders have prepared a statement which the GBIO Strategy team has endorsed. Please see below and click here to share and invite other signatories.
Moral Movement Massachusetts Evening Interfaith Prayer Service
When: Friday, August 18th | 7:00 p.m.Where: Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111The Moral Movement MA, and interfaith group committed to championing issues of moral importance including economic justice and and end to police brutality, invites you to the Boston Common at Friday at 7 pm - following the GBIO Gathering of Unity (see above) - to pray that the Common be sacred and peaceful ground on Saturday morning. Members and supporters will walk the perimeter of the Common and then stand at the center to offer our deepest hopes that this be a moment of spiritual evolution in our country. Participants will pray to keep moving forward, and not back, in the hope that when the morning comes, there will be a brighter day.
March and Rally Against Hate
When: Saturday, August 19th | 10:00 a.m.Where: Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120.Individuals from the Jewish Labor Committee will be part of a contingent of labor folks meeting at the Roxbury Crossing train station and joining the march and rally. Please note that with all protests there are always risks involved and we want to make sure JLC members are taking care of each other. Please contact Ashley at asha34@aol.com or 617 935-1256 if you are planning to go.
Logistics:STARTING PLACE: Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120ENDING PLACE: Boston Common, 139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111MEETING TIME: 10:00 a.m. (those who can't march may join us at the Boston Commons, but PLEASE beware of neo-Nazi/white supremacist/far-right presence)LENGTH OF MARCH ROUTE: 1.9 milesSOCIAL MEDIA: #FightSupremacy #BostonResist