Activists gather at the National Mall to protest rising anti-Semitism

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WASHINGTON – Julie Paris from Pittsburgh, Pa., Decided to drive to Washington to attend the rally against anti-Semitism on Sunday.

“It is so important for me to stand in solidarity with my Jewish brothers and sisters as we face this giant wave of anti-Semitism that has swept through the United States and around the world over the past few weeks and months. She said. Jerusalem post. “I felt that we are stronger together against hate – and we have to take a stand, and we have to let people know that we will not be afraid to stand up for ourselves.”

Following the recent rise in anti-Semitism in the United States, a coalition of organizations held a rally on Sunday at the National Mall, at the western entrance to the United States Capitol. The event, titled: “No Fear – A Rally in Solidarity with the Jewish People,” is supported by dozens of Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Federations of North America, B’nai B’rith International, l American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Agency and others.

She said it was important for her as a resident of Pittsburgh to attend the rally, given that Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Tree of Life Synagogue was also planning to speak on stage.

“I was in touch with him this morning, and I told him how proud I am of him and how much I can’t wait to hear him speak,” Paris said.

“He’s been an inspiration to many of us, not just in Pittsburgh, but all over the world. And he knows exactly the kinds of challenges we face. I’m sure he will share with us today the kind of anti-Semitism he faced as a child, what he faced in Tree of Life and what we see today, ”he said. she declared.

Unfortunately, [antisemitism] is an ugly disease; it is a virus that we cannot get rid of, but we will not stop trying. We must do everything in our power to overcome hatred and combat the stereotypes that are directed at us. “

“We come together to stand in solidarity with the Jewish people, against anti-Semitism and for the safety, dignity and peace of Jews around the world,” the event’s advertisement read.

Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, told the event that the Greater Washington community is strong and united.

“We are strengthened by the presence of our Jewish brothers and sisters from across America. And we are strengthened by the support of our interfaith allies and friends, ”he said. “We appreciate this unity because even our nation’s capital has not been immune to the rising tide of anti-Semitism.

“None of us should need to be at a rally against anti-Semitism in 2021, but we need to be here because we again need to respond to vile rhetoric, physical attacks and symbols of hatred against our people. “

He went on to say that “the Jewish people will not be divided” and that “we will fight right-wing anti-Semitism and we will fight left-wing anti-Semitism; We will hold our two political parties and all of our elected representatives accountable for protecting American Jews from hatred and oppression.

“Given the events of the past 18 months, globally, it is important that we send a very clear message in response to this.” said Joshua Wolf of Silver Spring, Maryland. “The message is that [the Jewish community] may be divided on some issues, but we are united on one issue – and that is anti-Semitism. “

Sam Koralnik from Washington said he decided to attend the rally to speak out against anti-Semitism. “I really think we need such an event because there is a lot of anti-Semitism rising in the world. The ADL did a very good report on the state of anti-Semitism, particularly in the United States around the world.

“And it is important that we come together, to show our solidarity that we stand in solidarity against the oldest known hatred in the world,” he said. “I feel good to be here. I’m glad everyone is here.



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