The gunman who shot two Christian kindergarteners in Oroville, Calif., earlier this month wrote a note stating that his actions were in response to America’s perceived role in the conflict in the Gaza Strip. This is a stark reminder of how unchecked hatred can spread and mutate, striking innocent victims across religious lines. This tragedy, coupled with the tragic shooting this week at a Christian school in Madison, Wis., demands our immediate attention and action.
When left unchecked, hatred becomes a contagion that knows no boundaries. These shootings are not isolated incidents but a symptom of a broader societal illness we must address urgently. When we remain silent in the face of hate and vitriol directed at one group, we signal to the perpetrators that this is an acceptable mode of conduct. It paves the way for further violence against others. Hatred grows like a cancer.
To combat this, communities must take decisive action, regardless of which faith one belongs to. We must educate ourselves and others, and actively seek out and share accurate information about complex situations, including the conflict in Gaza. By fostering informed discussions, we can challenge biased narratives, promote understanding and eradicate hate before it begins.
It is crucial to instill in our children a sense of pride in their heritage while simultaneously cultivating respect for others. This balance is key to building a tolerant democratic society. We should instill in our children a sense of pride for who they are—strengthening their sense of self and their cultural identity. Yet we must also encourage open communication about our differences and model tolerant behavior in our daily interactions with people from different cultures and faiths.
Creating a strong sense of self-worth while educating towards real tolerance between communities is essential in preventing the spread of hate online and offline. We need to empower community organizations to take proactive measures against hate, support victims, and build trust between law enforcement and affected communities.
It is not enough to pay lip service to condemn hate; action needs to be taken. Apathy and silence in the face of hatred will be interpreted as acceptance. Communities need to organize meetings to address hate incidents; create diverse coalitions to stand against hate groups; and use mainstream and social media responsibly to expose and denounce hate. As a Jew, I am committed to the concept of tikkun olam, repairing the world, and I believe that this principle should guide all of our actions in combating hate and making the world a better place for all.
Engaging in interfaith dialogue, participating in community service projects that bring diverse groups together and advocating for policies that promote equality and justice for all are some of the first essential steps. Law enforcement must be empowered to take swift and decisive action against any perpetrators of hate and judicial punitive measures need to be restored to create significant deterrents to any who would think of perpetrating such a heinous crime as shooting preschoolers. Only an ill society would tolerate such actions.
The murder of a student and teacher at a Christian school, and the attack on innocent Seventh-day Adventist children, are a call to action for all of us, regardless of faith or background. We must unite against hatred and violence, actively challenging hate in all its forms. Only through a collective effort can we hope to create a world where children of all faiths can learn and play and learn in safety and peace.
I’m a Jewish Orthodox rabbi, and I’m praying for the recovery of these two young boys in California and those injured in Wisconsin, and I will continue to do so until they all make a full recovery. I encourage people of all faiths to join me. Let us commit to healing the divisions in our society. The innocence of these children should remind us of our shared humanity and the urgent need to combat hatred through education, understanding and an unwavering commitment to making the world better for all.
