Consistency is crucial in the way OppNet shows up for our community. This means that we speak up when our communities are hurting or under attack. This means we condemn hate consistently, we practice solidarity consistently, and we uphold love and compassion consistently.
While OppNet is an organization that only operates in the United States, the recent violence in Gaza is having reverberating effects on our communities here at home. Antisemitic violence and Islamophobic attacks are, once again, on the rise.
Identity-based hate is meant to incite fear, to sow division, and to upend our sense of self and worth.
My Jewish neighbor should not have to debate with herself if she ought to wear her Star of David necklace before she goes to the store. My Muslim friend should not have to fear for her life when she attends her mosque. And for these same reasons, none of us should have to live a limited life because there are others that still believe humanity is a zero sum game.
So I encourage all of us to remain consistent in sharing and acting on our values. Consistency builds habits -- and habits metamorphose into norms.
AiLun Ku
President and CEO
The Opportunity Network
Resources to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia:
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) - Fighting Hate for Good
Bystander Intervention Training
How to Talk to Your Kids about Antisemitism
Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
‘Islamophobia Is’ Video Series
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
