Houston’s Jewish community shows solidarity with Chinese

American Jewish Committee (AJC) Houston Region Director Randall Czarlinsky and Rabbi Gideon Estes delivered a letter to the Consul General Cai Wei on Wednesday to show solidarity with Chinese in the US and around the world during the coronavirus outbreak.

Czarlinsky expressed concern and support on behalf of AJC's Community of Conscience, created last November to eradicate hateful and divisive rhetoric in the United States' political discourse, which has been blamed for acts of violence in houses of worship.

"We express solidarity with you during the intense troubling time," Czarlinsky told Cai. "We appreciate China's efforts to contain, to treat and to research the virus.

"We convey our message to Chinese people in Houston and around the globe that we are concerned about the rising hate that's coming out against Chinese here and abroad. We understand that in such times, concern can quickly turn into hysteria. That hysteria can lead to scapegoating."

Czarlinsky said that the Jewish community is committed to ensure that Chinese people feel safe and supported, and to respond to attacks and stereotyping on social media.

"Whether we are Jewish, Latino, African American, Muslim, and other diverse groups, we know from history that fearmongering can be devastating," he said.

He also said that the Jewish community is aware that Chinese businesses and restaurants in the community are affected by misinformed concerns about the COVID-19 virus.

"We encourage our communities not to give in to such fears. There is no need to avoid Chinese people or Chinese businesses."

The consul general expressed his deep appreciation for the Jewish community's show of solidarity with the Chinese people.

"This is a difficult time for all of us. China is fighting this virus. We have made improvement and success in treating people with this virus. We are confident we will make a comeback," Cai said.

Cai said China is getting international support. "The two presidents in the United States and China made calls to each other. This is one of the points, that China and the United States can (cooperate and collaborate) to combat the coronavirus and face this challenge."

Cai said he's also aware that some of the misinformation is causing panic not only in the local Chinese community but other communities as well. There have been attacks against Chinese and Asians.

"This is not the time for panic, but cooperation and solidarity. That is why this letter is so valuable," Cai said.