SLO County Jews remain committed to social justice

I’m wondering why you included the article by Mark Oppenheimer, Los Angeles Times contributor, titled, “As Jews left cities, we also drifted from civil rights,” in our local San Luis Obispo County newspaper (Aug. 27).

This article does not represent the local Jewish community’s values, intentions or actions with regard to civil rights and social justice. For example, local Jews recently demonstrated in front of San Luis Obispo City Hall in memory of three martyrs: James Earl Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Henry Schwerner. They were young civil rights workers murdered by the Klu Klux Klan, and their bodies were dumped and buried in an earthen dam.

Furthermore, I find it ignorant and/or insensitive that you published it on Shabbat (sabbath) morning, a time when observant Jews are taking a pause from the work of their week to renew their faith, study and recommit to peace and justice.

Mr. Oppenheimer must know different Jews than I do and few, if any, that live on the Central Coast. I feel blessed to live in a community where Jews are a significant minority, and yet so many of them are deeply and authentically committed to civil rights and social justice. Rock on, friends! You are making a difference or, at least, a dent — even if the Tribune isn’t paying attention.

This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 8:54 PM with the headline "SLO County Jews remain committed to social justice."