Responding to the “national day of hate”

We believe in a world that does not stand idly by while civilian populations are being attacked simply because of who they are. A world in which all people, regardless of ethnicity, religion or background, feel safe and welcome in their community. To accomplish this, we must stand up against hate whenever and wherever it arises.

As you may know, extremists, including neo-Nazis, are planning an antisemitic “national day of hate” for tomorrow in the United States. The goal of white supremacists and those who breed intolerance has always been to create widespread fear and profound divisions in our communities. They intend to make Jewish people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, and all people of color, indigenous peoples and various religious backgrounds afraid and powerless.

This tactic has been repeatedly deployed by those seeking power throughout history. It has led to the atrocities faced by the Armenians, Darfuris, Rohingya, Uyghurs and, of course, European Jews during the Holocaust. We know the signs; these hateful groups do not veil their intent. We must come together to say, “never again,” not just as Jews but as people of all faiths and cultures who believe that we are stronger together than we are apart.

So tomorrow, while a group of dividers spreads their hateful ideology through demonstrations and propaganda, let us stand as one unified community. Let’s let them know that we are here and we are not going anywhere.

Wishing you a safe weekend – Shabbat Shalom.