PSC – No Place for Hate

A Statement on Violence against the Asian Community

For the past 50 years, Phoenix Sister Cities has worked towards its vision of the world at peace. We have worked with partners throughout Phoenix and Arizona, and around the globe, to create lasting relationships based on mutual respect. We have forged meaningful relationships with the people of our sister cities Chengdu, China, Taipei, Taiwan and Himeji, Japan. We also hope to welcome Suwon, South Korea to our sister cities family later this year.

We were horrified at the murder of eight Americans, including six Asian American women, in Georgia earlier this month. Unfortunately, this is not new or surprising. Sadly, our nation’s history is riddled with incidents of violence against people of color. Even the history of Arizona includes the mistreatment of indigenous peoples and exploitation of the labor of Mexican and Chinese immigrants.

It is a sad reality that racism still exists in America today. Just in the past year, we have experienced and witnessed violence and racism perpetrated against members of our community – trash hurled at one of our Asian American Board members, closure of Asian owned businesses at a faster rate than others, and blaming of Asian Americans for a global pandemic.

We know that a more peaceful world is fostered by curiosity, open dialogue, and support. Racism and violence have no place in such a world. We believe our vision is dependent on the challenging tasks of building understanding and cultivating an appreciation of all cultures. We encourage and support the people working to build bridges within and between communities. We work with hundreds of volunteers in Phoenix to foster greater understanding through programs about our sister cities. Among these volunteers are Asian Americans who have deep connections to the countries where they were born and to the country they have adopted. We were humbled by the many Asian American volunteers who raised money to purchase and distributed personal protective equipment throughout Arizona during the pandemic.

We stand with the members of the Asian American community and our fellow sister cities. Racism and violence cannot be tolerated. Respect and understanding are necessary for all of us to work towards the mutual goal of a peaceful world.

(Issued March 30, 2021)

Statement on Anti-Semitism

For more than 50 years, Phoenix Sister Cites (PSC) has collaborated with our partners around the globe on a collective vision to promote friendship, peace and prosperity. PSC condemns any statement or action that threatens or hurts individuals or groups on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. We denounce all forms of hate.

We are witnessing levels of Anti-Semitism, anti-Jewish sentiment, and discrimination beyond anything American Jewry has ever experienced. We stand firm against any individual or organization that provokes, incites, agitates, or inflames public discourse with the intention of targeting Israel and/or the Jewish people, thus infusing fear and intimidation. False claims and disinformation intended to cause harm will not be tolerated.

PSC will not foster relationships, conduct business, or collaborate with any entity that manifests antisemitism, as such manifestations conflict with our mission and values.

PSC’s vision of the world at peace, along with our values of embracing humanity, dignity and uniqueness of individuals and communities, underscores people as the most precious resource. Maintaining the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior, transparency, cultural sensitivity, and respect to stakeholders is paramount to the mission.

As members of the PSC community exercise their right to free speech, and the exchange of ideas, we will always welcome others into our community as the wisdom of others enriches us all. It is our intention to serve as an example to others as we facilitate global citizenship and a shared appreciation of the world.

(issued February 29, 2024)