To the people of western Massachusetts and our leaders, please remember, like all Americans, regardless of their political beliefs, Jewish Americans have a right to be safe and secure in their homes, communities, schools, businesses, and houses of worship. Please remember that standing up for the rights of one group does not mean denying the rights of another. In fact, we are all safer when everyone’s rights are protected.

The increased targeting of Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian Americans is also a serious concern. Their safety also must be ensured. Please remember that Jewish Americans are not responsible for the policies or actions of the government of Israel. (In fact, many Jewish Americans strongly oppose the current policies and actions of the government of Israel.)

These statements are so basic, it is hard to believe that we need to say them. But in light of the sharp rise in threats and attacks against Jewish and Muslim, Arab or Palestinian individuals and institutions, they must be stated, affirmed, and backed up with concrete action by our neighbors, educators, religious leaders and elected officials.

While only about 2% of the population of the United States today is made up of people who identify as Jewish, the Anti-Defamation League reports that 50% of all religious-based hate crimes are against Jews and Jewish institutions. Countless Jewish Americans have been harassed and intimidated in their homes, on college campuses, and even on the streets of Northampton.

Recently, hundreds of synagogues across the U.S. received bomb threats. That number includes Beit Ahavah in Florence, which received a similar threat last month. Fortunately, no bomb was found and no one was injured. The Northampton Police and Fire Departments responded, and the leaders of Florence Congregational Church and Bombyx Center, which share space with Beit Ahavah, have set an example of being supportive allies to their Jewish partners.

The recent increase in hate speech, threats and violence toward Jews and Muslims should raise an alarm for all Americans. When one group is singled out for blame and harassment — historically, it is often the Jews — the community becomes less safe for everyone.

Together we can stop that from happening by speaking out and standing up for people targeted by threats, discrimination and violence; demonstrating that our community welcomes, respects and protects all groups of people; and educating ourselves and our children about the history and cultures of Jews, Muslims, and other minority groups. Thank you.

Amy Leos-Urbel lives in Northampton.