One Community UNITY Pledge seeks a fully inclusive Arizona
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Jewish community organizations gathered yesterday at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus in Scottsdale to lend their signatures to the UNITY Pledge — a concerted effort by businesses, organizations and individuals who support equal treatment and inclusive non-discrimination policies in employment, housing, and public accommodations for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
According to Richard Kasper, Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix CEO, Judaism and social justice are inseparable.
“The Torah literally tells us ‘justice, justice, you shall pursue’ (Deut. 16:20). A well-known concept in the American Jewish community is ‘Tikkun Olam, to repair of the world,” Mr. Kasper said in a prepared statement.
“This is the idea that Jews are called upon to make the world more just, peaceful, tolerant, and equal, through acts of charity, kindness, and political action. Signing this UNITY Pledge is one such action.”
Today, Arizona does not have a fully inclusive non-discrimination law, leaving LGBTQ+ individuals and their families vulnerable to discrimination throughout much of the state.
In total, 11 Arizona municipalities have LGBTQ+ inclusive non-discrimination laws, creating a patchwork environment of laws that is not only bad for individuals and their families, but for business as well, according to a press release.
Representatives from organizations at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus were joined by board members and staff from BBYO, Bureau of Jewish Education, Jewish Community Relations Council, Minkoff Center for Jewish Genetics, Jewish Tuition Organization, Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Free Loan and Gesher Disability Resources.
UNITY Pledge seeks a fully inclusive Arizona
“Each day, the Jewish community strives to create communities where all people can experience Jewish life and Jewish community, to be embraced, supported and celebrated,” said Rachel Hoffer, board chair of the CJP. “I am proud to join with colleagues and board members from these Jewish organizations as we collectively sign the UNITY Pledge that publicly declares that all are welcome.”
“Yesterday’s gathering is the first step in bringing together the greater Phoenix Jewish community. We look forward to other Jewish organizations located throughout the Valley lending their support of this important and worthwhile effort,” says Mr. Kasper.
“Our ‘Open for Worship’ coalition has continued to grow, and we were so honored to be with these Jewish leaders to celebrate equality and continue the conversation of how we advance culture and policies to ensure we celebrate, respect and protect all who live and work in our great state,” added Angela Hughey, president of ONE Community.
To date, more than 3,500 businesses, 500 faith leaders and 20,000 Arizonans have taken the UNITY Pledge in support of equality and non-discrimination, which is now the largest equality pledge in the nation.
