Tag Archives: terrorism

The Promises of Israel

Posted on October 12, 2019 by mjknopf

  Sermon from Kol Nidrei — October 8, 2019 It is striking that we initiate Yom Kippur with Kol Nidrei, a liturgical poem that both highlights the promises we make and alludes to the fact that we have an unfortunate … Continue reading →

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Remarks at Islamic Center Standing Together Event (March 17, 2019)

Posted on March 19, 2019 by mjknopf

Asalamu aleikum. Peace be upon you, my brothers, and sisters. As I utter those words, I am cognizant of how painfully ironic it feels to be extending greetings of peace to a community shattered by a cruel and horrific act … Continue reading →

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The World is Yours, But it Doesn’t Belong to You

Posted on June 15, 2018 by mjknopf

On June 14, 2018, I was honored to speak to the graduating class of Maggie Walker Governor’s School at their Baccalaureate ceremony. Here’s what I said: Class of 2018, Let me begin by expressing my gratitude for having been invited … Continue reading →

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Haspel nomination reignites torture debate

Posted on May 29, 2018 by mjknopf

On 9/11, I was a brand-new college student living in New York City for the first time. In the aftermath of that day’s tragic events, I, like other Americans, was consumed with fear and anger. But then, as the War … Continue reading →

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Pray for Healing, Fight for Justice: A Response to the Sutherland Springs Mass-Shooting

Posted on November 6, 2017 by mjknopf

I am heartbroken over the news of yesterday’s mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. 26 people, ranging from toddlers to retirees, including eight members of a single family, were murdered in cold blood. I extend my … Continue reading →

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Do You control Your Monuments, or Do They Control You? – Shavuot 2017

Posted on June 2, 2017 by mjknopf

Recently, the City of New Orleans removed its Confederate monuments, prompting both celebrations and protests. The actions and their aftermath reverberated across the country and, not surprisingly, into Virginia. Protests and counter-protests erupted – violently – in Charlottesville a couple … Continue reading →

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Remarks from Richmond Rally Against Muslim Ban

Posted on May 9, 2017 by mjknopf

Video of these remarks can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/jewishaction.us/videos/705614492975135/ Video of all speeches can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/moveon/videos/10154390220140493/ In 1790, our first president, George Washington, sent a letter to the Jewish community in Newport, Rhode Island, pledging that “the government of the … Continue reading →

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The light that can dispel the Boston bombing’s darkness

Posted on April 25, 2013 by mjknopf

“We are not safe.” That was the resigned and terrified refrain echoed in the media following the bombings at the Boston Marathon. It was as if we were collectively saying we should have been safe following September 11, when we … Continue reading →

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