‘As Muslims and Jews, we understand persecution and vow to fight racism in Miami’ | Opinion

As leaders of the diverse Miami faith community and like-minded organizations who foster dialogue and understanding among all people, religions and races, we stand in solidarity with the sentiment expressed in Ruban Roberts’ June 1 oped: Until everyone else acknowledges blacks’ pain, we’re not ‘all in this together.’

We are collectively outraged over the senseless murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. His death and ongoing protests underscore the deep-seated injustices, inequality and racism that exist in America. Protests across the country are emblematic of the pain and anguish felt by our brethren in the African American community. They are a cry for help and a cry for meaningful change.

As leaders who represent communities that know centuries of persecution because of our religious beliefs, we denounce racism and all forms of hate and bigotry as we join together to advance respect among all cultures, religions and races. Our traditions remind us that we have a duty to stand up and speak out in the face of intolerance, racial violence and criminal acts against black people. We are commanded to listen to our partners in the community, to hear their stories, understand their perspectives and work in partnership to create a more just and perfect world.

Meaningful reform to systemic racism begins through individual conversations and education that change attitudes one by one — and through advocacy in cities across the country that replace laws and policies that discriminate with those that provide respect for all. Through our collective efforts, we have the opportunity to create a more just world that will honor the memory of George Floyd and all of those who have similarly lost their lives.

The shared values of our Abrahamic faiths call upon us to stand united and to work for peace and better days ahead.

Imam Abdul Hamid Samra is the religious director of the Islamic Center of Greater Miami. Tracey Spiegelman is chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. They wrote this on behalf of ADL Florida Region, AJC Miami and Broward, Coalition of South Florida Muslim Organizations, Hadassah Greater Miami, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, MCCJ, Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board, Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami, National Council of Jewish Women Miami, The Children’s Trust and United Way of Miami-Dade.

This story was originally published June 8, 2020 at 3:50 PM.