Good Morning, Burlington!

This morning’s Buzz will look a bit different from most. As you know, the Buzz is your go-to source for daily news about Burlington, and we seldom venture farther than that. But the events in Gaza have caused much hurt and confusion around the world, including among many of our community members.

We have a strong interfaith community in Burlington, including a very active mosque, the Islamic Center of Burlington, and synagogue, Temple Shalom Emeth. Rabbi Susan Abramson and Imam Shakeel Rahman have released a statement they hope will inspire peace and harmony among all Burlington residents.

A Joint Statement of Peace and Harmony within the Burlington Community from the Islamic Center of Burlington and Temple Shalom Emeth

We and our communities have been friends and neighbors for many years. We have enjoyed special meals and events and learning about each other’s faith traditions. At this moment of tremendous suffering and loss, we felt that it was important to explain to those who are not part of our communities how we are feeling about the current situation in Israel and Gaza.

We would also like to speak to those who are part of our faith traditions about how we are commanded to treat each other during this very dark time.

The Jewish community is continuing to suffer, as well as being fearful and angry about the vicious attack of the Hamas terrorists. The State of Israel is still under attack, and our hearts continue to be broken while over 130 hostages languish in captivity. Every soldier that is lost cuts very deeply. Along with that, the lives of over 25,000 Palestinians were tragically lost to the constant attacks on Gaza. We mourn the loss of every single innocent Palestinian whose life was lost because of this conflict. We grieve the suffering of all Palestinian people who are now in a desperate situation, whose homes have been lost, who have been forced to flee, who lack basic necessities, and who have been marginalized because of this conflict.

The Talmud says, if you kill one person it is as if you have killed the entire world. And if you save one life it is as if you have saved the entire world. Similarly, the Quran says, “Whoever kills an innocent life is as if he has killed all of mankind.”

It is important while things are escalating overseas that we do not become divisive and divided in our town. We continue to experience a sharp rise in Islamophobia and Antisemitism. We want to spread the word that even though our two communities are embroiled in a horrible conflict in the Middle East, we here desperately need to model peace and friendship as our two faiths command.

We celebrate the open and honest communication between our two faith communities, and we hope that others will strive to follow this model. Meaningful conversations will help bridge the gap instead of creating a divide.

We are all fervently praying for peace. In the meantime, we are hoping that everyone in our community understands the awful, stressful time we are experiencing. Your support means the world to us. We are not OK and your outreach is meaningful and powerful.

Our two communities pledge to do what we can to bring our peoples together and to be a model of peace, love, and friendship.

Thank you.

Imam Shakeel Rahman, Islamic Center of Burlington
Rabbi Susan Abramson, Temple Shalom Emeth, Burlington MA
Temple Shalom Emeth Board

Related to the Gaza conflict, the Buzz published a press release from a group called Burlington for Palestine on Monday regarding Sunday’s demonstration on the common. We attempted to follow up with the group, but as of now we have been unable to learn more about the group, its members, or its mission.

Today and This Weekend in Burlington

One of Burlington’s own, Jonathan Sachs, will be performing this Sunday along with fellow singer-songwriters, Conor Hennessy and Forest Romm. Check out 3 Songwriters in the Round at the Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins Street in Reading at 2:00 PM. Get your tickets now!

And, this evening, Burlington Community Financial Center is partnering up with the IRS to provide a free workshop on the Earned Income Tax Credit. See below for more details and to register!

Municipal Meetings and Community Events

Friday, January 26

• 12:45-1:45 PM - Burlington Early Childhood Center New Family Open House - If your child is ready for preschool (age 3 or older), bring them to visit classrooms and enjoy learning activities at Burlington’s integrated preschool in advance of registration opening for the fall. (In back of Burlington High School, 123 Cambridge Street)
• 4:00-5:00 PM - Tween Event: Beaded Snowman Keychain - students in grades 4-8 get together to craft a snowperson keychain using beads. Bring a friend with you and have matching keychains for your backpacks. (Library; Register)
• 6:00-8:00 PM - PJ Bingo Night. Looking for a fun Friday evening with the family? Look no further: Dancing, pizza, bingo, prizes, 50/50 raffle and more. Proceeds will benefit the curriculum of Kids’ Corner in Winchester. (Sons of Italy, Winchester; Register)
• 7:00-8:30 PM - Earned Income Tax Credit Workshop. Learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, Optimizing Social Security Benefits, Building Savings & Wealth, and Debt Management. (Burlington Community Financial Center, 83 Cambridge Street, Suite 2a; Register)

Saturday, January 27

• 11:00 AM-1:00 PM - Prestige Car Wash Grand Opening will feature Paw Patrol costumed characters, free car washes, giveaways, and food—and will benefit a good cause, as well. Come welcome one of our community’s newest businesses! (310 Cambridge Street, Burlington)
• 11:00 AM -12:00 PM - No Sew Sock Snowman Craft - Grades K-5 & Parents  - the registration list is full, but join the waitlist or make one at home! (Library; Register)
• 3:00-4:00 PM - Teen Volunteering: Valentine’s Cards - Students in grades 6-12 are invited to come make Valentine’s Day cards for our neighbors in local assisted living residences. Brighten someone’s day while crafting with a friend. (Library; Register)

Sunday, January 28

• 2:00 PM - 3 Songwriters in the Round. Join Burlington’s own “Uncle Jon,” Jonathan Sachs, joins fellow singer-songwriters for a fun and entertaining afternoon. Get your tickets here! (Quannapowitt Players, Reading)
• 2:00 PM - Hair Bow Class - all ages are invited to come together and make headbands or bows together.  (Made in Burlington; Tickets)

Sports and Activities

The Junior Varsity track team had some great outcomes at last night’s championship, with athletes setting 37 personal records and bringing home wins in the hurdles (Matt Conte) and shot put (Perkins Augustin). Congrats!

Today is Senior Night for boys’ basketball, as the team hosts Stoneham for a 7:00 game. Varsity girls kick things off at BHS at 5:30.

Junior Varsity teams will play at MSMS, with girls playing at 4:15 and boys at 5:15. Freshman boys will play at Stoneham Middle School.

Friday Funny

It me

Have a lovely weekend, Burlington! See you Sunday!

Nicci

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