In response to the recent rise in anti-Semitic actions in the U.S., Pastor Phil and Rebecca Malke sent a letter of support to the rabbis of Temple Beth El, Congregation Shaarei Shamayim, Beth Israel and Hillel at UW as well as the Jewish Federation of Madison. Here is the text of the letter:
We are writing to you on behalf our congregation to express our solidarity with the people of the Jewish community in the Madison area during this time of rising anti-Semitic incidents around the nation. While we are grateful that there has been nothing as horrendous here as the desecration of the graves in St. Louis, we know that hatred has a way of infecting every place and so we want you to know that you are not alone.
One of the blessings of our area has been the good work done collectively by the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities that share a common bond through Abraham and bonds of friendship through our shared experiences locally. Those bonds are particularly important when any part of our community is threatened.
During these hard times, we want you to know that you are held in our prayers. Beyond that, we stand with you in the face of hatred. None of us need be alone in this world.
With hope in the midst of it all,
Rev. Phil Haslanger
Pastor
Rebecca Malke-Eliganti
Director of Faith Development