OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A local Jewish synagogue leader is responding to recent anti-Semitic incidents and threats from across the country.
More than 65 families are part of the Congregation B’nai Israel in Oshkosh.
Relgious director Lowell Louis tells WLUKanti-Semitic threats in larger cities are worrying locally.
“Thank God, we haven’t had anything” Louis told us us it’s important to note anti-Semitism is nothing new.
“It’s always a tough time for the Jewish community, you know, I think anti-Semitism always hangs over our heads”
Louis says in the last few months the temple made some security upgrades.
“And we talked with different groups about what we can do”
According to Louis, an Oshkosh Police Officer spoke to the congregation a few months ago.
“We talked about how to be safe and what to do, what not to do”
Louis also advises his congregation and students to talk about their personal experiences and concerns.
“We’re here to support one another and if they feel that they’re being threatened or if there is a problem, tell it to somebody, but don’t hold it inside and think you can take care of it yourself, because you chances are you can’t, you need some help”
Louis says Oshkosh is, on the whole, a very supportive community. He shared a recent voicemail from a local Christian church leader.
“He had said that he just wanted us to know that Congregation B’nai Israel, that they’re praying for us and if we would like to talk or need any help they’re available. That’s the kind of outreach that we have within our community”
He said it’s more important now than ever that people come together.
“We’re all the same. We’re all equal and I think it’s very important that we remember the, especially at this time when we have so much turmoil in the world”
Louis would not offer his thoughts on the president’s reaction to recent anti-Semitic acts.
