CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS ON BLACK JEWISH RELATIONS:

CALLS FOR AN END TO SYSTEMATIC RACISM IN AMERICA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations Representatives Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), John Lewis (GA-05), Lee Zeldin (NY-01), and Will Hurd (TX-23) released the following statement condemning the murder of George Floyd and calling for an end to systematic racism in America.

The Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations unequivocally condemns all forms of racism and violence towards the Black community.

The death of George Floyd is nothing less than a modern-day lynching. At a time when COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting communities of color, the protests surrounding the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are stark reminders of how deeply embedded racial injustice is in the United States.

The first steps towards justice were taken with former police officer Derek Chauvin charged with murder and manslaughter. But our country cannot achieve the values of “justice for all” until we address the structural inequality and ongoing racism that has long plagued this country.

We firmly believe that change starts here at home, spurred by peaceful and productive action. We need an American public that is educated on the legacy of slavery, racism, lynching, and all forms of injustice in this country.

The United States is a nation founded on the ideals of equality and liberty. The Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations demands that our justice system treat all people the same.