News and Events
Plea For Peace
PLEA FOR PEACE – Akron Beacon Journal Opinion Column Oct – 27 – 2024 Plea for Peace LetterIt has now been a year since the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, killing 1,195 and taking 251 hostage, escalating …
Anti-Semistism: In Akron, In America
Dear friends of the Interfaith Movement:
In January of 2022, the Rabbi and several members of a synagogue in Houston, Texas, were taken hostage by a gun-wielding British Pakistani, during sabbath services. In the end, the hostages were safely released. But, the incident itself could be seen as 2022 picking up right where 2021 ended, which was as the year with the highest annual number of antisemitic incidents ever recorded by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
In 2021, ADL tabulated 2,717 anti-Semitic incidents across the United States. This represents a 34% increase from the 2,026 incidents recorded in 2020 and is the highest number on record since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979. There is a significant upswing in such acts of hate in the United States.
What explains this terrifying present trend? How does it fit into the historical picture of hate directed at Jews? What can we do, as a multifaith community, to assist our Jewish neighbors right here in Akron? Those are questions that the Akron Area Interfaith Council took up in a three-part series on anti-semitism, both nationwide and here in Akron.
Evening Three – “Strength in Numbers: What Our Interfaith Community Can Do” was a panel discussion on how all of Akron can stand with our Jewish neighbors to help assuage their fears of facing these trends alone, to let them know that they are not alone. Watch this panel discussion now >>
Evening Two – “Rising Numbers: Anti-Semitism in America Today” with Jim Pasch, Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), was an exploration of the factors that might help us to understand the striking rise in hate crimes directed at Jews, right now, and in our country today. Watch this conversation now >>
Evening One – “We’ve Seen This Before: The Historical Path of Anti-Semitism” with Dr. Christopher Seeman, Professor of Theology, Walsh University, did precisely what the title suggested, examining the historical phenomenon of anti-Semitism, in order to help us see what has always been there and pick out new venues and sources of hate. Video not currently available.
We need to discuss violence at synagogues
Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Bodie, AAIC Chair of Spiritual Life’s letter in the Akron Beacon Journal: A little more than three years ago, this nation stood transfixed by a senseless act of mass murder at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Antisemitism had reared its head …
100 Days: Promises Made, Promises Kept?
The First One Hundred Days: Promises Made, Promises Kept?April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 7:00-8:15 pm Because of the importance of an individual’s religious/spiritual choices in developing his or her values, faith communities can contribute to the development of a more just, humane, and …
Statement on Shootings in Georgia
The Akron Area Interfaith Council and the local interfaith community stand in solidarity with the Asian American community as it grieves the many incidents of racism and bigotry that have increased in the last year. We join with you in combating this bigotry and will work to confront the bias of those who discriminate, exploit, or exclude others.
Akron Beacon Journal: Statement about Capitol building violence
Interfaith council condemns violence The Akron Area Interfaith Council condemns the invasion into the Capitol building on Jan. 6, putting legislators and all personnel at risk for harm. While protests are appropriate for raising often unheard voices, this was a blatant disregard for property and the …
Hesburgh: A Documentary
You are invited to our screening featuring a civil rights advocate and hero named Hesburgh. He is in the hearts of many he fought for and will be the star of this event. Please come and social distancing and masks are required for this event. …
Stand Together: Interfaith Vigil Against Racism
Attend the next Interfaith Vigil Stand Together: Interfaith Vigil Against Racism Sunday August 16 from 2pm-3:30pm. Masks and Social distancing required. Will be broadcasted live on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/secondbaptistchurchakronohio and here: http://www.facebook.com/AkronInterfaith. See flyer for more information! Contact: Rev. Dr. Joyce Penfield, 401-369-1514 or Alan Fortnoff 330-903-0982, akroninterfaithsocialjustice@gmail.com for more information. We hope to see you there!


