Dear Friends of Open Society:
Events are moving at the speed of sound. Last month, I was in Johannesburg, with leading activists and artists lifting up the richness of Africa’s stories; the coronavirus was exploding in China, yet still felt like a storm cloud on a distant shore. Today, I am working remotely in New York City, along with many of you, and watching as the number of people affected by the virus grows exponentially around the world and here at home while markets crash and our political leaders flounder. We are entering what may be one of the gravest public health challenges we’ve yet faced in my lifetime, and that’s saying a lot, having grown up in the age of AIDS and worked during my time in the Obama administration to combat the Ebola outbreak of 2014.
Like you, my colleagues and I at the Open Society Foundations are swiftly adapting to the demands of the day—upping our handwashing game, taking care not to touch our faces, and learning the incredible importance of “social distancing.” This is especially hard for those of us who came up as activists; we hug, we fight, we march together. Yet there is no better way, the public health authorities tell us, to slow the spread of COVID-19 than to curtail our travels, avoid large crowds, and carry on our important work remotely. It may be an inconvenience, but it’s for the public good, and our colleagues at Open Society are doing their part to help keep themselves and the communities they support safe and healthy at this incredibly challenging time.
I hope and trust that you are all taking care of yourselves, your family, friends and loved ones as well. For the work that you do—the work we are honored to support and join you in—has never been more important than right now. The challenges to open society values don’t sit out a pandemic; they only mount, as disenfranchised communities bear the brunt of the impact on everything from economic and food security to hate crimes and health insurance issues. Keep them in your hearts and in your minds in these difficult days, and let them be your inspiration. It is incumbent on all of us to rise above the anxieties of the hour and keep on keeping on.
In the coming weeks, I fear the news may get worse before it gets better. But we will not allow our new reality to deter us from our commitment to you, the work you do, and the values we share. We will be looking for ways to build on our investments to protect the vulnerable, push for fair and affordable drug prices for all, promote economic and food security, and ensure that when a vaccine is discovered, it is available to everyone, regardless of zip code or income.
I wish all of you health, strength, and courage as we confront the challenges ahead. But I am confident that we will overcome whatever obstacles COVID-19 puts in our path, and carry forward the fight for the vibrant, inclusive, and accountable society we all deserve. Look forward to linking arms with you on the front lines again very soon.
In solidarity,
Patrick Gaspard
President, Open Society Foundations
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