One Of Many Ways To Stand Up Against Islamophobia

As part of this work, which has multiple dimensions to it, we want to be as visible as we can within our different spaces--to make clear in the public sphere that all of our communities will not stand by in the face of Islamophobia and racism.
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Jews Against Islamophobia (a coalition of JVP NY and Jews Say No) canvassing. Photo by Jeff Stirewalt.

Muslim organizations and others directly targeted by Islamophobia and racism are organizing to protect their communities, and fight for justice, in the short-term as well as for the long haul. This grows out of enormous work and community building that have been ongoing for years and years.

For those of us in Jewish communities committed to challenging Islamophobia,
we are thinking deeply about the different ways we can be consistent, principled, effective partners. How can we make it clear that Islamophobia is not ok: Not acts of Islamophobia and violence in public spaces, not state-sanctioned Islamophobia and violence that are part of both domestic and foreign policies. Not telling someone "you don't belong here;" not deporting someone for being Muslim.

As part of this work, which has multiple dimensions to it, we want to be as visible as we can within our different spaces--to make clear in the public sphere that all of our communities will not stand by in the face of Islamophobia and racism.

One of the ways we are doing that is by canvassing in our neighborhoods--by asking storeowners and community members to put up posters that read: Standing with Muslims Against Islamophobia and Racism. The posters, beautifully designed by Sarah Sills, member of the Jewish Voice for Peace Artists and Cultural Workers council, are being shared across the US by JVP's Network Against Islamophobia.

Part of the power of the posters being displayed so visibly in neighborhood stores is that they convey a strong message that Islamophobia and racism are most definitely not welcome in the community.

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JAI canvassing. Part of a series of photos by Pam Sporn, Jordan Moss, and Paul Foster.

Those who have been canvassing have spoken of the rich conversations they have been part of with shop owners and with passersby in multiple communities. People have described loving interactions and, in some cases, difficult but rewarding conversations. I don't mean to make this canvassing sound bigger than it is, but I am one of those who believe that the power of our organizing lies in the expansiveness of how we define and live it. Through visuals like this one and through other forms of creative cultural resistance and community education that are expressed in so many ways, multiple voices are sharing, and acting upon, their commitments.

For information about how to canvass in your community or to join other efforts, like upcoming Chanukah actions against Islamophobia, to speak out and take action against Islamophobia and racism within Jewish communities and as partners in the broader movement, you can go to JVP's Network Against Islamophobia website.

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