By Brooke Bowles
The past two and a half weeks have been horrific as we watched the attacks in Washington and Boulder.
Recently I was visiting with a Jewish friend and shared my feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness. He kindly responded with “How do you think the Jews feel?” I am not Jewish and in fact I cannot imagine how the Jews feel.
But I am here to listen. I am here to be an ally. I am here to stand with the Jewish community. Because ending antisemitism cannot be the responsibility of the Jewish people alone. That must be our work — everyone’s work.
With these heavy feelings weighing on us, there may be a temptation to hide or withdraw. But I am inspired by several Jewish leaders who urge Jews to lean into their Jewish identity and non-Jews to lean into the Jewish community.
On October 8, 2023, a small group of us here at The J met to determine what we could do in the aftermath of October 7. We committed to being a safe place for healing and community. That commitment is as important now as it was then.
The Levite Jewish Community Center is uniquely positioned to offer both a space for strengthened Jewish identity and for bridging the Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Our doors are open to you as we navigate this difficult time together.
Brooke Bowles is chief executive officer of the Levite Jewish Community Center.