To Malcolm Jenkins, From a Jewish Teenager

Frustrated.

That is how I felt when I graced Instagram on July 10 during the afternoon at my dad's house. I saw people putting things on their stories about Malcolm Jenkins, New Orleans Saints safety. I figured this would be people condoning Jenkins for his strong presence in the Black Lives Matter movement as he has been a prominent figure in leading the way for social change. Alas that is not what I was presented with. I was presented with Jenkins saying “We can honor the Jewish heritage and trauma while staying focused on what matters. Jewish people aren’t our problem, and we aren’t their problem. Let’s not lose focus on what the problem truly is, and that’s that black lives still don’t matter in this country.” 

So much went through my head when I saw this. While part of me does understand the fact that the struggle for black lives to be accepted in this country is prevalent, we need to also understand that Jewish people are in the same boat. It isn’t even just those two groups, it is every ethinic and racial minority trying to fight for equal rights and acceptance in the country. 

As a country we are divided, that is no question. In a time of social unrest, a global pandemic, political tensions and so much more, we need to come together. To Malcolm Jenkins, I wish you well in continuing your fight for equality in the African-American community, but when you go to fight think about the other groups trying to fight for acceptance including the Jewish people.

The Declaration of Independence states “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.” No matter the color of your skin, the country you hail from or what religion you practice, every single person that lives in the United States of America should be able to live with these rights without a problem. Sadly that is not the case.

So to Malcom Jenkins and everyone American I encourage you to look at yourself and say how can I do my part to make sure we live in a country where everyone and I mean everyone can enjoy the rights they deserve and feel accepted. If we can do that and unite as one united front, we really can be what our founders strived for us to be. Liberty and justice for all.