Our statement on the recent hate crimes in Colleyville, Texas and New York City

Roe V Wade

On Saturday, January 15, our country was impacted by two violent crimes that seem driven by racial and ethnic hate. Members of the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas were held hostage at gunpoint for eleven hours. Thankfully, each hostage survived. In New York City, an Asian woman, Michelle Go, was killed after being pushed in front of a subway train. My thoughts have been with those impacted by these tragic events and their families.

 

Racial and ethnically-motivated hate crimes have been on the rise over the last six years. Anti-Asian hate has been especially severe during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many, including national leaders, have spread lies about the origins of the virus. We have also seen a rise in antisemitic crimes, and the Congregation Beth Israel acknowledged that out of caution they had prepared for hostage and shooter situations like the one they experienced. At YW Boston, we hope to provide you the community and support you need to build your energy to work toward racial justice.

 

We know that for many people, processing this information will be difficult and take time. We are asking our staff to use the paid time off, flexible hours, and mental health resources that they need. Please consider how those you work with may be impacted by this recent news and take time to care for your health and your family.

 

In solidarity,

Beth

 

 

Beth Chandler 

President & CEO 

YW Boston 

 

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About YW Boston 

As the first YWCA in the nation, YW Boston has been at the forefront of advancing equity for over 150 years. Through our DE&I services—InclusionBoston and LeadBoston—as well as our advocacy work and F.Y.R.E. Initiative, we help individuals and organizations change policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with a goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed. 

As part of that work, we are helping organizations prioritize Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and become socially connected while staying physically distant. During this time, YW Boston is providing organizations with digital workshops and resources to help them better understand the challenges faced by their employees. For more information, please contact Sheera Bornstein at sheera@ywboston.org.