HOUSTON – In the wake of Monday’s bomb threats targeting a Jewish community centers in Houston and others across the country, it didn’t take long for Houstonians to show how much they care.
People from churches, mosques and synagogues have been offering support and comfort by dropping off flowers and stuffed animals.
Handwritten cards from a Muslim woman and her three small children really struck a chord with the executive director of the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center.
“She said to me, I wanted to do something to express our feelings for what had happened and to know that you're not alone and there are other people who care as well,” Joel Dinkin said.
Monday’s bomb threat is part of an uptick in anti-Semitic incidents in Houston, and in cities across the country.
There have been a total of 68 threats targeting 53 Jewish community centers in 26 states since November.
“No parent anywhere should be worrying about this in America in 2017,” said Dayan Gross, with the Anti-Defamation League.
On Wednesday, a coalition of leaders from Houston’s diverse faith community stood shoulder to shoulder in a public show of solidarity.
Bishop James Dixon, of the Kingdom Builders Global Fellowship organized the gathering.
“What hurts one, hurts all. What helps one, helps all,” Dixon said.
Those gathered there Wednesday said hate crimes can happen anywhere.
What’s most important, they said, is how a community responds.
“We will not allow the seeds of hate to sprout in our city and in our nation without fierce resistance,” said M.J. Khan, with the Islamic Society of Greater Houston.