Atlanta Jewish organization protests in support of Black Lives Matter movement

Social Justice Edition | LookWeAreIncluded.com

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NeverAgain4BLM, a Jewish organization based in Atlanta, held a peaceful protest Sunday in Downtown Atlanta in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

NeverAgain4BLM convened at the corner of Centennial and Marietta, and led people in a march to Liberty Plaza. Masked protesters chanted the names of #BreonnaTaylor, #GeorgeFloyd, #ElijahMcClain and other victims whose lives have prompted nationwide #BLM action.

NeverAgain4BLM is comprised of a group of vocal leaders in several cities who encourage the Jewish community to take a greater role in supporting their oppressed neighbors. Sunday’s event was the organization’s first official march. It also encouraged its Los Angeles members to convene at the same time.

Founders Tracy Rosen, Matt Beilinson, Jena Eisenberg have a team of a dozen members across four cities.

“We’re growing fast! We plan to hold unity marches in San Francisco, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, NYC, and hopefully more coming soon!” said Beilinson. “It is our duty and responsibility as Jews and humans to be on the front lines with Black Lives Matter.”

🎥 @lookincludeus – The Atlanta Jewish community #NeverAgain4BLM held a peaceful protest in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement Sunday afternoon. Protestors chanted the names of #GeorgeFloyd #RayshardBrooks #BreonnaTaylor #AhmaudArbery in solidarity for change. pic.twitter.com/hq0D0YD3ob

— Kamara Daughtry (@Kae_Success) July 5, 2020

“I grew up in Atlanta, I’ve been part of the Jewish community, and I was always thought ‘never again’ meant the prevention of systematic oppression,” said Eisenberg. “[Especially] of a people in a situation that led to lives being in danger, either because of one superficial or religious reason.”

Eisenberg said she was concerned about the lack of voice in the community in which she grew up and loved.

“I wanted to inspire a community, which I think likes to keep its head down, by coming out and by providing a safe space in a group… we obviously just don’t want to inspire the Jewish community, but these are our Black neighbors and we want to love everyone. We want to love our neighbors as ourselves.”

Q&A with NeverAgain4BLM via Instagram

LookWeAreIncluded.com: What would you tell people who are on the fence about speaking up for racial justice?

NeverAgain4BLM: Welcome uncomfortable conversations. The more we educate ourselves on this matter, the more we can start to understand this is not a moment- It is a movement! We must love our neighbors as ourselves.

“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. -Elie Wiesel

LookWeAreIncluded.com: How can people support the organization if they can’t protest (due to health concerns)?

NeverAgain4BLM: We realize the current health crisis prevents some from participating on the ground. We appreciate the support of the particularly vulnerable community, but prefer they stay safe. In that vein, we encourage everyone that can’t come out to follow us and share with their community as much as possible. The most important thing we can do is to bring the conversation of racial equality home and continue to educate what our place is in this movement. Our organization will provide educational pamphlets and resources to aid in these conversations.

LookWeAreIncluded.com: How can people get involved and contribute to your organization?

NeverAgain4BLM: Please find us on Facebook ,Instagram, and Twitter @NeverAgain4BLM. We plan to continue supporting the BLACK LIVES MATTER movement. We are not accepting funds, but encouraging our followers to donate to blackvotesmatterfund.org, nationalfairhousing.org, nationalbailout.org and LGBTQfund.org.