National Council of Jewish Women Mourns After Deadly Attack Targeting Asian Women

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2021
Media Contact:
Alyson Malinger, West End Strategy Team
amalinger@westendstrategy.com; 917-935-7311

WASHINGTON — In response to the shooting that left at least eight people dead, including six women of Asian descent, at spas in the Atlanta area on Tuesday,  National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) CEO Sheila Katz issued the following statement:

“We are horrified by the violence that took the lives of eight people last night, including six women of Asian descent. National Council of Jewish Women joins the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in its grief today and reaffirms our commitment to work together to create a world which values and protects all marginalized people.

“That last night’s horrific attack targeted women of color working low wage jobs is no coincidence and is the direct result of systemic racism and misogyny. Women of color are the most likely to suffer the consequences of racism, misogyny, and white supremacy and women are most at risk to become victims of deadly violence.

“This attack also comes as our country has experienced a horrific spike in anti-Asian hatred spurred on by leaders in our communities and elected officials who have employed racist rhetoric and scapegoating tactics in response to a deadly pandemic. Between March 2020 and February 2021, the Stop AAPI Hate National Project received 3,695 reports of anti-Asian hate incidents.

“Regardless of the motivation of the shooter, it is clear that the rise in extreme rhetoric and white supremacist violence has caused an unsafe environment for people of Asian descent in America and for women everywhere. It is on all of us to work together to dismantle the scourge of white supremacy, misogyny, and violence against marginalized people in our country. We stand together and in solidarity with all those impacted by the perpetuation of racial and gender-based violence.”

NCJW Atlanta Section President Sherry Frank added:

“While the investigation into these horrific attacks has just begun, our community is reeling from what is likely white supremacist and misogynist motivated violence against the Asian community in metro Atlanta. NCJW Atlanta offers our support and solidarity and will not hesitate to use our voices and actions to combat hate and violence wherever it occurs.”

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 180,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, NCJW advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice; and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.