MAZON Statements

Los Angeles, Calif. — Today, June 19th, 2020, marks Juneteenth, the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. As families and communities around the country celebrate freedom, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger recommits to confronting racial and economic justice in its work to end hunger. Standing in solidarity with African Americans and other communities of color, MAZON is proud to affirm that Black Lives Matter.

Abby J. Leibman, MAZON’s President & CEO said:

“Today marks a day of commemoration of freedom, equality, and justice — the 155th anniversary of the day the last slaves in America were finally told they were free. Amid this moment of celebration, it is important to confront the fact that the evil of slavery has had long lasting impacts on American society. The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on African Americans and other communities of color is the latest evidence that pervasive and systemic racism exacerbates the challenges faced by African Americans and other people of color in America.

Now, more than ever, we need policymakers who lead with wisdom and compassion, to acknowledge and confront longstanding and shameful issues of racial and economic injustice while taking action to address the growing rates of hunger and hardship.

Grounded by our Jewish values and ideals, we recommit to fighting for all those facing hunger, inequity, bias, and discrimination.”