The world is a narrow bridge. The key to the crossing is not to be afraid. — Nachman of Bratslav
Five weeks. Five lifetimes. There’s hardly any time to process a day’s events, and each new day brings more shocking events. In the five weeks since the last (our first!) newsletter, we’ve gone from White House coronavirus press conferences with Dr. Fauci to no conferences and no Fauci as states begin to reopen. We’ve witnessed an inspiring uprising for Black lives following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, and horrifying police brutality in cities across the country. All this, and more, has happened in the span of five weeks, not five lifetimes.
For some of us, this feels all too familiar. For some of us, we may want to hide from it all, hoping it will miraculously, and without effort, change for the better. But we know the world doesn’t work that way. We may not be able to change the entire world but we can, collectively, change New York and Long Island for the better. This newsletter describes some of the ways that Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Long Island is working toward just that.
Jeff — Editor, [email protected]
Phyllis — Co-Editor
Matthew — Co-Editor
Juneteenth Unity March
WHEN: Friday, June 19, 6PM
WHERE: March begins at Amityville Memorial High School
WHAT: This march is to signify unity for the message that Black lives matter. It is Black led and organized by a high school student. Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Long Island is proud to be a co-sponsor.
July Community Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 7:00PM-8:30PM EST
Candidate Meet and Greets with Melanie D'Arrigo and Rep. Tom Suozzi
This past month, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Long Island held its first candidate meet-and-greets for the 2020 election cycle via Zoom. Participants “met” candidate for U.S. Congress, Melanie D’Arrigo, and the incumbent Representative Tom Suozzi.
Both are running to represent NY-3. Each discussed their platforms with the members in attendance and answered their questions. Among the topics discussed were criminal justice reform, immigration, and the fight against white nationalism.