Arizona Digital Free Press - Logo

Shoeleather Journalism in the Digital Age

Shoeleather Journalism
in the Digital Age

Jewish community leaders gather in Scottsdale to sign the UNITY Pledge

From left are: Paul Rockower, executive director, Jewish Community Relations Council; Marina Awerbuch, program director, Bureau of Jewish Education; David Senkfor, board president, Jewish Free Loan; Ellen Sacks, executive director, Jewish Free Loan; Amy Hummell, executive director, Gesher Disability Resources; Nora Schaefer, board president, Gesher Disability Resources; Rachel Hoffer, board chair, Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix; Richard Kasper, CEO, Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix; Sarah Kader, community manager, Anti-Defamation League; Jay Jacobs, CEO, Valley of the Sun JCC; Wendy Carriere, executive director, Minkoff Center for Jewish Genetics; Janet Silva, incoming executive director, Jewish Tuition Organization; Tess Perez, regional director, BBYO; Jayme David, vice president of community engagement, BBYO. (File Photos/DigitalFreePress.com)

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.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Category Sponsor

Learn About the Author

Published On:

Category Sponsor

2[1]

Newsletter Sign Up

Scottsdale Daily Beat - Logo

Could we interest you in Local News That Matters? How about Enterprise Business Reporting & Real Property & Homes?

FastTrack_F23_336x280 (1)
Leon Law
SUSD Ad

Scottsdale

Paradise Valley

SUSD Showcase
Real Property & Homes img