“Racism is my high school experience.”

These were the shocking words of Kosi Ifeji, a student in Bangor schools.

Members of Congregation Beth Israel are no strangers to the sting of discrimination. From our earliest presence in the Bangor area through to today, we’ve felt the same sting of racism.

Our Social Action Committee lead the charge in a local effort to organize in support of these students. We drafted the letter that was ultimately undersigned by numerous members of the faith, business, and academic community. Members of our congregation helped present the letter, or find signatories.  Our Board of Directors voted unanimously to put our name to this letter, and many congregants, members of our executive committee, and Rabbi signed on.

We realize that racism and bigotry aren’t solved with a mere letter. Congregation Beth Israel considers it of significant importance to remain vigilant as an ally to and advocate for POC in the same way they’ve stood with us over the years.

An Open Letter to Our Community: A Call to Action for Our Schools (PDF)