Dear Mr. President,
Recently, there has been a disturbing surge in bomb threats directed at Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) across our nation. Just yesterday, two such threats were made at centers close to my home. As a parent with preschool-age children, many of whom attend religious education programs at local temples, this situation is deeply unsettling.
The fear has reached our children; lockdown drills became a necessary reality for them as they were often in close proximity to these centers. Police presence at their schools was heightened, and for children aged just 1.5 to 5 years, this is a confusing and frightening experience. These young children, simply because of their faith, are being escorted to school by law enforcement, which leaves parents like me anxious about their safety.
I observe your efforts to promote gun rights in schools, under the guise of safety; yet, I cannot understand how this aligns with the reality facing our children. You speak of closing borders and limiting refugees, all in the name of protecting American citizens. Yet, the real threat comes not from those seeking refuge but from our own communities. Your silence on these domestic acts of hate endangers my family and countless others.
You have appointed figures like Betsy DeVos to champion parental choice in education, yet my friends, who have chosen temple schools for their children, are now contemplating pulling them out for safety reasons. Is this the choice you envisioned? My desire is for my children to learn not only the fundamentals of education but also their faith in a secure environment. Yet, the ongoing threats complicate this choice, transforming it from an educational decision to a matter of safety.
You once stated that you are “the least anti-Semitic person” and highlighted your Jewish family ties. But I must ask—are your grandchildren facing threats each day? Having Jewish relatives does not absolve you from the responsibility of addressing the rising tide of anti-Semitism. Your administration has downplayed the hate crimes occurring under your watch.
You campaigned with a promise to restore safety to our nation. Is this the safety you envisioned for families like mine? While you focus on external threats, please do not overlook the growing domestic intolerance and violence. Instead of allocating billions to military defenses, why not invest in programs that foster understanding and acceptance?
Your leadership is crucial in guiding our nation away from bigotry. We need you to denounce these acts of hate and to show that you are a leader committed to peace and love for all citizens, regardless of their faith. We implore you to take decisive action to protect every citizen, not just those you deem acceptable.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Parent