Foundation Statements on Racial Violence, Injustice, and Antisemitism
The Weinberg Foundation stands firmly against antisemitism in all its forms, as well as all racially and ethnically fueled violence, including racism and injustices that have been inflicted upon Black and Indigenous peoples, other people of color, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Foundation is committed to advancing equity and justice by taking action to achieve meaningful and transformational change. The following statements are listed beginning with the most recent.
Statement on antisemitism
The Jewish community in the United States has experienced a significant rise in threats, crimes, and other hate-motivated acts in recent years. In 2019, the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Annual Audit on Hate Crimes in the US documented 2,107 antisemitic attacks—a 12 percent increase over the prior year and the highest number on record since the ADL began tracking in 1979. Although this number decreased slightly in 2020, the statistics remain staggering.
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation continues to partner with organizations on the frontlines of the battle against antisemitism, in all its forms, grounded in the shared goal of promoting basic human decency and kindness, including confronting discrimination against and fostering respect for all peoples. In March 2021, the Weinberg Foundation announced a two-year $2.5 million funding commitment to nonprofits combating antisemitism throughout the United States, including $1 million to the ADL, as well as support for other similarly focused organizations within the Foundation’s priority communities.
The Foundation also notes with alarm the rise of antisemitic rhetoric and violence connected with the recent violence throughout Israel and in Gaza. To be clear, the Foundation unequivocally supports the pursuit of peaceful coexistence and joins in prayers for calm and lasting peace for Israel, Gaza, and the entire region. We mourn the loss of life and suffering of all peoples resulting from conflict. The Foundation also stands firmly with Israel and condemns antisemitism—explicit or implicit—as a denial of the State of Israel’s right to exist, including defending itself from attack. Such instances inflame antisemitism globally, further threatening the safety of the Jewish community.
Together, we must strive to see the humanity in every person, and to reject hate and prejudice rooted in identities—including race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion—and work toward a more inclusive and accepting world for all. With equal measures of hope, determination, and action, we can emerge from these turbulent times as not only a stronger, safer Jewish community but also a more peaceful global community.
In 2021, the Foundation will provide approximately $135 million in total grant activity supporting nonprofits that provide direct services in the areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Community Services. Specifically, in Israel, the Foundation provides approximately $15 million in annual grant funding serving marginalized populations, including Arab-Israelis. Since 1990, the Foundation has distributed grants totaling more than $2.5 billion.
In support of Asian American Pacific Islanders
Our hearts are heavy as we witness acts of violence against members of the Asian American community in the United States. The terror that has been inflicted upon Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is deeply disturbing. Despicable incidents such as the recent murders in Atlanta and the increase in anti-Asian and particularly anti-Chinese hate crimes across the nation reflect a society still held in the grip of racism and white supremacy. Amid these senseless acts, the Weinberg Foundation stands firmly with the Asian American community against violence, xenophobia, and bigotry.
The Foundation honors the contributions of each individual in shaping a diverse and thriving America—a nation which aspires to the highest ideals of providing refuge to those fleeing violence and persecution and representing hope for a more secure and prosperous future. Despite a deeply flawed history, the United States still can offer millions of people the promise of a better life. Regardless of race, origin, or otherwise, the fabric of our society will be strongest only when we all commit to standing with, and vigorously protecting, every single child and adult who calls this nation home.
We mourn that the lives of the Atlanta shooting victims were cut short, and we grieve the trauma endured by the victims of all horrific attacks rooted in hatred. We pray for an end to all racially and ethnically fueled violence, as well as comfort and healing for those individuals and communities targeted through prejudice and rage. The Weinberg Foundation stands for peace and further commits to advancing equity and justice in our communities. We stand in solidarity.
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation continues to partner with organizations on the frontlines of the battle against antisemitism, in all its forms, grounded in the shared goal of promoting basic human decency and kindness, including confronting discrimination against and fostering respect for all peoples. In March 2021, the Weinberg Foundation announced a two-year $2.5 million funding commitment to nonprofits combating antisemitism throughout the United States, including $1 million to the ADL, as well as support for other similarly focused organizations within the Foundation’s priority communities.
The Foundation also notes with alarm the rise of antisemitic rhetoric and violence connected with the recent violence throughout Israel and in Gaza. To be clear, the Foundation unequivocally supports the pursuit of peaceful coexistence and joins in prayers for calm and lasting peace for Israel, Gaza, and the entire region. We mourn the loss of life and suffering of all peoples resulting from conflict. The Foundation also stands firmly with Israel and condemns antisemitism—explicit or implicit—as a denial of the State of Israel’s right to exist, including defending itself from attack. Such instances inflame antisemitism globally, further threatening the safety of the Jewish community.
Together, we must strive to see the humanity in every person, and to reject hate and prejudice rooted in identities—including race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion—and work toward a more inclusive and accepting world for all. With equal measures of hope, determination, and action, we can emerge from these turbulent times as not only a stronger, safer Jewish community but also a more peaceful global community.
In 2021, the Foundation will provide approximately $135 million in total grant activity supporting nonprofits that provide direct services in the areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Community Services. Specifically, in Israel, the Foundation provides approximately $15 million in annual grant funding serving marginalized populations, including Arab-Israelis. Since 1990, the Foundation has distributed grants totaling more than $2.5 billion.
In support of Black Lives Matter
Our hearts are heavy. We are profoundly sad, sharing the acute pain being felt by all caring Americans and mostly by those who have suffered historical racism solely because of the color of their skin. During this time of tragedy and heartbreak that puts a spotlight on the harsh realities that our country must confront, the Weinberg Foundation stands with calls to move forward together through peaceful protest in pursuit of justice, healing, and the action demanded to achieve meaningful and transformational change.
We believe. Black lives matter. The Foundation strives to address systemic injustices that are the result of social, economic, health, and housing inequities. It is why we have always targeted our efforts to supporting the most vulnerable in our communities. We also believe in fulfilling the obligations expressed by the Hebrew phrase tikkun olam, translated as ‘repairing the world.’ We advance that mission by supporting place-based, direct-service nonprofit organizations in designated priority communities that are committed to meeting the basic needs of people experiencing poverty.
What can we do? We will continue to work with community-based organizations to advance the work that the Foundation funds in housing, health, jobs, and education. We will continue to partner with effective community-based organizations, especially seeking out those that are led by people of color in the communities where the Foundation works. We will continue to require grantees to demonstrate how they are making a commitment to advancing racial equity in their work to make our efforts all the more appropriate and effective.
We are a nation in pain. We acknowledge that some are hurting more than others, for no other reason than they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. At the Weinberg Foundation we see you, we hear you, we stand with you, and we will work with you to do our part to make meaningful and lasting change. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Freddie Gray are our brothers and each represents countless other people of color throughout the United States who deserve our love and protection, now!
We will listen. If you have a specific suggestion, please fill out the form below, “Tell Us What You Think.” We can’t promise that we will do everything suggested, but we promise that we will listen and do our best.
