This message originally appeared in a worldwide Porter Novelli staff email.
“No one is born hating another person because the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” — Nelson Mandela
On Saturday, we saw another act of hatred and violence against Americans worshipping at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Earlier in the week, two people of color were shot and killed at a Kroger grocery store after the shooter’s failed attempt to break into a predominately black church in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. And, of course, there were several pipe bombs sent to individuals across the U.S. because of differing political views.
We are sickened by the hate that continues to grow in the U.S. and around the world. We cannot let this violence become commonplace. Trying to make sense of these acts of hatred is impossible. We do want to be an agency and a place for everyone to feel welcomed and supported. We are here for you during these challenging times.
On behalf of Porter Novelli, I sent a note to Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers offering our sympathy, thoughts and prayers for all of the victims, families and congregation at Tree of Life. I also offered Porter Novelli’s help and support if the Synagogue requires.
During our recent We Stand For Love campaign, we shared our stories of overcoming hate with love; we created opportunities to learn and grow; and we committed to action. We also partnered with the ADL and Southern Poverty Law Center among others to learn ways to combat hate. We Stand For Love demonstrated the very best of Porter Novelli and how we come together to support one another. We should use this platform for anyone who wants to express themselves during this time – please reach out to Soon Mee Kim.
The cynical person might wonder what is it all for; but we are not cynical people. We believe in hope. We believe in love. Standing for love is more important now than ever.
Finally, there was a powerful image of solidarity and strength created using a familiar symbol in Pittsburgh along with the Star of David. See below.
Brad
