As updates about coronavirus continue to develop, we are keeping a close eye on the situation and how it will impact Pursuing Justice 2020, our upcoming national conference.

Dear Friend,


We are reaching out about the current situation with coronavirus and our upcoming Pursuing Justice 2020 <[link removed]> conference. We know that the rapidly evolving realities of the coronavirus are creating an uncertain situation for all of us in our daily lives, and for the planning of a large-scale event in May.

Our top priority remains the safety of our community and movement family. We are actively monitoring the situation and we want to share the steps we’re taking in response to the information we have right now.

We are thinking of all those already directly impacted or at risk. We pray for a refuah shlema, a speedy and full recovery, for all who are sick. We also recognize the way that this crisis disproportionately impacts communities, from exacerbating economic insecurity, to unequal access to health care, to increased stigma, racism, xenophobia, and hate crimes. And, we know that everyone has different relationships to risk tolerance around health-related concerns, whether for themselves or a loved one. Our society’s response must be judged by how we care for the most vulnerable among us.

At Bend the Arc, we are committed to ensuring our response to this crisis will be guided by our values of justice, equity, and compassion.

As of now, and given the information we currently have, we are moving forward with planning the conference and are hopeful we will be able to gather together in Washington DC on May 3-5, 2020. We will continue to monitor the situation, explore contingencies, reassess as needed, and communicate updates with you.

We and our partners at the Marriott are taking the following steps, in response to what is currently understood about the virus, to prioritize the health and safety of our community and make it easier for you to choose your level of participation:

- We are removing the deadline for our cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your participation at Pursuing Justice at any time, you will be able to receive a full refund.
(Note: this applies to your conference registration fee. Please be sure to check company cancellation policies for your hotel room reservation — you are able to cancel a reservation in our room block up to seven days before the beginning of your reservation — and travel reservations. We urge you to consider booking refundable travel, or checking to see if your airline or travel company’s policies have changed.)
- If Pursuing Justice is canceled or postponed, you will be able to receive a full refund of your registration fee.
(Please see note above about travel and hotel cancellation policies.)
- Marriott staff are implementing additional hygiene practices to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in their hotel. We are happy to share this detailed list with anyone who is interested.

With the situation evolving rapidly, we also encourage you to consult these sources:

- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) <[link removed]>
- World Health Organization (WHO) <[link removed]>
- Government of the District of Columbia <[link removed]>

In this moment of uncertainty, we know it could be a difficult decision to register for the conference. We are committed to keeping you updated and informed. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.


We are hopeful that Pursuing Justice 2020 will take place as planned, and that we will be able to gather safely to learn, grow, and take action together to address the urgent crises of white nationalism, antisemitism, and inequality in this election year. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the developments closely and keep you updated as best we can.


Earlier this week, we celebrated Purim, the Jewish holiday that celebrates Queen Esther saving the Jewish people from destruction. In many ways, this holiday is about the resilience of the Jewish people. We come from a people with incredible ancestral strength, and we carry that strength in us and with us as we work to address the challenges and injustices in the world today.

We are grateful to be with you in this moment as we navigate the risks and impacts of coronavirus and work to keep ourselves and our communities safe.

With love and care,
The Bend the Arc team


<[link removed]>



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Bend the Arc Jewish Action - United States
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