Letters/Discussion Forums
Community responds generously to call for aid for victims of xenophobia
In the past two weeks, South Africa has once again been shaken to its core by the horror of widespread violence against “foreigners”. Under the auspices of Lawyers for Human Rights, I turned to the Jewish community through my shul, Beit Emanuel; Joburg Jewish Mommies; my friends; and by word of mouth for aid of whatever kind to assist the Ethiopian family taking refuge in my home, and so many others left destitute and homeless. Our community responded with alacrity and generosity, delivering a veritable flood of abundance along with humanity and compassion.
Mirna Lawrence, Johannesburg
Many delivered generous amounts of food, clothing, toiletries, cleaning material, and toys for the scores of families and children affected by the violence. Others in our community showed deep pockets by donating financial aid. Those who through personal circumstance had nothing tangible to give offered their sincere prayers for peace; prayers to change the vibrations of violence to peace and fellowship.
A humble thanks to all of you for demonstrating unstinting generosity, goodness, compassion, care, humanity, and the will to pursue justice for those beyond our own community. There are no words fine enough to express the deep appreciation shown by those who have been harmed.
Kol Hakavod (congratulations) to our community for being first responders to the chaos and violence, thereby giving hope and kindness to others by showing active solidarity against xenophobia, hate mongering, and violence.