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Our Unifying Principles
Our opinions are diverse, but we share certain common beliefs and objectives. We don’t purport to represent all Jewish families in LMSD, but we agree to the mission statement and stand united with regards to the following:
1.
LMSD Obligations Towards Jewish Students and Faculty: Jewish students and faculty face unique challenges and threats that must be addressed by LMSD. General policies and practices regarding diversity, equality, respect for all and intolerance for hatred are not sufficient. LMSD must acknowledge and address the specific concerns facing the Jewish community. These concerns have become much more immediate since October 7, 2023.
2.
Zionism and Anti-Zionism: We believe that Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people and is inseparable from it. We believe in Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. The State of Israel has existed as a political entity for over 75 years, and is home to approximately 50% of the world’s Jewish population. Any call for the forced end of the Jewish state should be considered a call for the ethnic cleansing of Jews from the Middle East (at best). To that end, we view modern anti-Zionism as at least equally dangerous to Jews as is antisemitism.
3.
Antisemitism: We adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism as a starting point for discussions with LMSD about addressing antisemitism within our schools and community. Antisemitism does not define us as Jews, but it is a common concern for all of our students in LMSD.
4.
Collaboration: We believe it is critical towards achieving our mission to work collaboratively with LMSD and our schools to the fullest extent possible. If a collaborative approach is not successful, we will reassess our approach.
5.
Respect: We respect all individuals within our community, including students, families of students, faculty and administration. We especially recognize the need to allow all students to make mistakes and learn from them.
6.
Combating Hatred: We have no tolerance for hatred or malevolence towards Jews or Israelis as groups or towards individuals because of their Jewish or Israeli identity. We acknowledge that hate can be manifested in different ways, some of which are not obvious. We detest baseless hatred directed to any group or individual on account of their identity or beliefs, but it is our primary purpose to advocate against animosity towards Jews in particular.
7.
Politics: We are not a political entity and do not profess any common political views, domestic or in Israel.
8.
Outside support: We welcome support from outside individuals and organizations, but only to the extent they help specifically promote our mission.
9.
Results: We expect to see concrete changes made by LMSD to address our concerns and create a more welcoming and safe place within all LMSD schools for Jewish and Israeli children.
Representation and Organization
The initial organizers have designated certain representatives from within to administer the JFA, and to communicate with LMSD and other organizations on behalf of the members. People were selected to represent different cohorts of members. A steering committee of representatives from across the District was formed to facilitate fast and meaningful dialogue with LMSD that captures the common goals of our members. The steering committee may designate certain individuals to act in certain specified roles and communicate accordingly.
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Communications
Representatives will speak on behalf of the members of this group in line with its mission and these unifying principles. When communicating on behalf of JFA, representatives will clearly identify their messaging to LMSD or others as such, or clearly state when speaking on their own behalf. Members will not purport to communicate on behalf of all parents without approval from the steering committee.