Hatred Has No Place in Our City

The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine unequivocally condemns the neo-Nazi gathering held last weekend in Portland. Hatred has no place in our city.

 

We know that this rally did not take place in isolation. After years of rising antisemitism, our community has become accustomed to constantly updating security protocols, maintaining vigilant situational awareness, and avoiding repulsive comments online and in the news. Last week, the ADL reported yet another double-digit increase (36%) in antisemitic incidents in the United States in 2022. Yet we were still shocked and terrified to hear of a rally here.

 

The ideology of hate and racism espoused by white supremacists endangers us all, and specifically targets those most vulnerable, including Jewish people, Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers.

 

Tonight marks the beginning of Passover, the holiday that celebrates freedom, and as Rabbi Morris Joseph said, “affirms the great truth that liberty is the inalienable right of every human being.” In the face of hatred and discrimination, we stand in solidarity with all those who celebrate and defend our diverse, inclusive community.

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