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Jewish Democrats Denounce Anti-Semitic Incidents After Pittsburgh Massacre and Demand More Action from Trump

November 2, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC – Halie Soifer, the Executive Director of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, issued the following statement:

“The Jewish Democratic Council of America decries the multiple acts of anti-Semitism that have occurred just days after the horrific massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in American history. In the week following, two synagogues have been defaced with anti-Semitic graffiti, including profanity and epithets targeting Jews. The first incident took place on Wednesday morning at Beth Jacob synagogue in Irvine, California, and the second incident occurred just last night at Union Temple of Brooklyn, in New York. We strongly condemn this vile behavior, and demand that President Trump:

  • Unequivocally denounce white nationalism.
  • Disassociate his actions and rhetoric from the “nationalist” movement.
  • Work with Congress to pass legislation that will direct the Department of Justice to take concrete action to prevent and combat anti-Semitism.
  • Commit to discourse that recognizes and affirms the humanity of minorities, political opponents, the press, persons with disabilities, and immigrants.

The President and all elected officials have an obligation to unequivocally denounce white nationalism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and racism, and send a clear message that behavior inspired by these movements will not be tolerated. Donald Trump and Republicans’ failure to do so in the past two years has contributed to an unprecedented rise in anti-Semitic attacks and culture of hate targeting minorities, including Jews. Tuesday’s election is a referendum on their silence and complicity in enabling policies inspired by hatred and fear of minority groups, which is antithetical to Jewish and American values. We strongly disapprove of this immoral and dangerous leadership, and this is why Jewish voters will overwhelmingly support Democrats at the polls.”

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