The Worthington community stands together in support of our neighbors of Jewish faith and commits to promoting a more diverse and accepting community where all citizens feel safe and protected.

Worthington City officials and community members were deeply saddened by the hostage situation on January 15, 2022 at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas.  This act of aggression was yet another in a rising number of antisemitic hate crimes, and stirred fear and concern in Jewish congregations throughout the nation and right here in Worthington.  

Our community has a deep connection to Beth Israel through our own Congregation Beth Tikvah here in Worthington and Beth Tikvah Rabbi Rick Kellner’s friendship with Beth Israel Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker. Worthington community partners are sending strength and support to Congregation Beth Israel, our friends at Congregation Beth Tikvah and the entire Jewish population of Worthington and across the country. At this time and always, we are deeply committed to our Jewish community and will fight against antisemitism. As a community, Worthington affirms the community affirmation offered by Rabbi Cytron-Walker:

• We stand together against hatred, bigotry and violence.
• We stand together in love and support of each other.
• We stand together in words and deeds.
• We stand together understanding our actions matter.

Worthington has a long history of inclusion and respect for people of diverse backgrounds through the efforts of our Community Relations Commission (CRC) and other City and community initiatives. In 2020, racism was declared a public health crisis and Worthington City Council passed a Resolution “Recognizing the Impacts of Racism, Condemning Racism in All Forms, and Committing to Promote Racial Equity.” In 2019, Council approved a Non-Discrimination Ordinance, as recommended by the CRC to promote tolerance, respect and inclusion in the Worthington community. The CRC continues to promote an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation among all members of the Worthington community through racial justice initiatives and educational opportunities.

Worthington strives to be a welcoming place to people of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. We commit to being a community free of discrimination that is supportive, respectful and caring to all individuals. We urge our citizens and neighbors to uphold the same values of human decency as we work together to ensure Worthington is a welcoming, safe and inclusive community for all.