Since Hamas’ first attack on Israel on Oct. 7, the news has been flooded with reports of tragedy.
More than 1,400 people — mostly civilians killed during the Hamas incursion — have died in Israel. Over 200 Israelis and foreigners were captured during the initial attacks, becoming prisoners of Hamas.
As of Sunday, more than 8,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry run by Hamas.
Jewish communities in the United States are currently facing a battle of morality, negativity and tragedy, constantly pressed with the stress and trauma surrounding the war, according to advocates.
More than 70 Jewish communities have banded together to implement a “Clean Speech” campaign beginning WednesdayNov. 1 and lasting the entire month. The campaign of positive-enforcing efforts looks to “strengthen unity and focus” of Colorado Jews’ “individual and collective abilities to value and honor each other,” according to a press release from Clean Speech Colorado.
Starting November 1, members of Jewish communities across North America are invited to participate in the “Clean Speech Challenge.”
Founded by Rabbi Raphael Leban, executive director of the Jewish Experience in Colorado, the Clean Speech Challenge is a 30-day educational and awareness campaign to strengthen unity and respect within and beyond the Jewish community.
“Over the past decade we experienced a terrible disintegration in civility and public discourse and in our healthy relationships personally,” Leban told the Journal. “The way we speak to each other is both the problem and the solution.”
In major cities across North America and amid stark and persistent political divisions, a new movement is catching on, bent on toning down the vitriol that saturates social media, divides communities, disrupts friendships and even upends family get-togethers. The goal: to turn even political disagreements into respectful, constructive interactions.
Launched four years ago by Rabbi Raphael Leban, managing director of the Denver-based Jewish Experience, the campaign known as “Clean Speech” has taken hold in Jewish communities across the nation and abroad.
This week, Rabbi Raphael Leban, executive director of The Jewish Experience in Denver, is launching his fourth annual Clean Speech Colorado Campaign, aimed at bringing together community members with different opinions.
“Clean Speech Colorado is a 30-day educational and awareness campaign designed to bring the timeless lessons of Jewish mindful speech to our community to bring us together, build a more loving, respectful, unified community one word at a time,” Leban said.
He said this year’s campaign is happening during a spike in anti-Semitic rhetoric and other hateful speech.
