Lori Sidman and Mark Sokoll from JCC Greater Boston published an op-ed in today’s Globe about the bomb threats that have targeted JCCs and other Jewish organizations up and down the East Coast.
We are not surprised that JCCs were targeted. JCCs are vital centers of Jewish life in communities large and small across this country. We are exemplars of open-tent pluralism and welcome people of all faiths. If you are offended by this idea, then you are likely to attack any entity that supports it.
Thanks to Lori Sidman and Mark Sokoll for this thoughtful piece. The Newton JCC has been central to our family — activities at the JCC are part of our weekly routine. The JCC has given us a place to make many new friends, teach our children how to swim, play creatively in the children’s gym, sit down in a cafe bustling with community members to share a snack, explore new arts and crafts techniques, and enjoy family-friendly music and performances, among so many other things. We’ve always been struck by the warm, welcoming feeling throughout the building and the diversity of community resources offered to people of all ages and backgrounds. It truly is a community gem, and we’re proud to stand with them in this challenging time.