Mobilizing Faith: Stand Up Sunday Calls for Unity Against Antisemitism

Stand Up Sunday: A Call for Unity Against Hate

On September 7th, a significant event named 'Stand Up Sunday' will take place across the United States, uniting various religious communities in a powerful stand against antisemitism and faith-based hate. Organized by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, this initiative comes at a crucial moment, given the alarming rise in antisemitic attacks and hate crimes targeting religious institutions. With participation expected from over a million people of faith, the event aims to emphasize that unity is vital in the fight against hate.

The Need for Action

The context for this call to action is deeply troubling. Recent incidents, such as the mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, underscore the vulnerabilities places of worship face. Such violence is a chilling reminder of the real-world consequences of unchecked hatred. The upcoming Stand Up Sunday is not simply a demonstration but a coordinated effort to raise awareness, inspire action, and convey the message that no place of worship should ever become a target.

Religious institutions from different denominations, including numerous Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches, as well as Hindu temples, are coming together in solidarity. Each participating location will dedicate services to highlighting the increase in antisemitism and advocating against all forms of hate. The distribution of the FCAS's Blue Squares symbol—a representation of unity in combating Jewish hate—will serve as a visual reminder of this collective commitment.

A Unified Front Against Hate

Robert Kraft, the Founder of FCAS, passionately states, "Stand Up Sunday is about raising awareness, inspiring action, and standing together against hate." The initiative is also linked to the Appeal of Conscience Foundation's 'Respect the Other' campaign, which has focused on creating an environment of mutual respect among different religious groups since its inception in 2001. This year's event comes as a direct response to the legions of religiously motivated hate crimes that have been on the rise, with the FBI labeling these acts as terrorism.

Statistics reveal a grim reality: reported hate crimes against Jewish individuals account for nearly 70% of all religious-based hate crimes in the U.S. This indicates a grave systemic issue requiring immediate attention and action from all sectors of society, particularly among leaders from various faith communities who have the influence to guide their congregations toward coexistence and empathy.

Significant Participation and Influence

Some of the most prominent houses of worship across the country are showing their support for Stand Up Sunday. St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, which sees over five million visitors annually and has previously been targeted for potential violence, is joining in this critical dialogue. Other notable participants include the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the only house of worship destroyed on 9/11, which stands as a memorial to the lives lost that day.

As part of this historic coalition, places like the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in the U.S. and St. Luke's Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, which was the inaugural site for last year’s Stand Up Sunday, are reinforcing the message that faith communities must unite against acts that challenge their safety and values.

Karen Dresbach, Executive Vice President of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, emphasizes the importance of this gathering, stating, "September 7 is the moment for us to stand shoulder to shoulder as people of faith to say enough is enough. We are all God's Children, and together we can silence the voices of hate."

The Urgency of the Moment

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York underscores the urgency of this need for a unified front, asserting that silence in the face of hatred equates to complicity. He affirms that the collective voice of faith leaders can inspire courage and a renewed commitment to compassion in confronting this alarming trend.

According to FCAS research, antisemitic sentiments have surged, implicating a significant portion of the population. The data illustrates a lack of engagement from many who do not recognize antisemitism with the same gravity as other forms of hate. Stand Up Sunday seeks to rectify this by galvanizing religious leaders and their congregations to commit to standing up against all forms of hate.

In joining Stand Up Sunday, houses of worship are taking a significant step towards a future where individuals of diverse faiths are respected and treated with dignity. This initiative symbolizes an essential movement towards healing division and encouraging peaceful coexistence.

Together, participants will foster a collective message of unity—a reminder that, as people of faith, it is their shared responsibility to advocate for respect and understanding. The organization's mission, encapsulated in the phrase 'Respect the Other,' will resonate on September 7 as communities come together to combat hatred and intolerance in all its forms.