The League denounces the increase in Antisemitic Hate Crimes

Solidarity Statement Denouncing the Increase in Antisemitic Hate Crimes

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and 55 civil and human rights organizations, firmly denounce the recent rise in antisemitic hate crimes. Antisemitism is sadly not new in this country; however, in recent years, we have witnessed more violent and frequent anti-Jewish hate incidents and crimes including the recent spike that prompts this statement. We commend the many civil society and governmental leaders who, as have so many member groups of the Leadership Conference, denounced these antisemitic hate crimes, and we call on all local, state, and national leaders to join in condemning these acts.

As a Civil Rights community that stands for the rights of all, we note that this disgraceful and alarming escalation of antisemitic hate crimes parallels the alarming increases in hate crimes more broadly-- and are driven by the same white nationalist forces. Our country has seen devastating increases in anti-Muslim, anti-Sikh, and anti-Arab hate, as well as an ongoing rise in acts of hate targeting Asian American communities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ, Black Americans, and immigrant communities in the United States. Indeed, we recognize that for many Black and Brown communities, the increase in hate crimes is far greater than the official numbers would suggest because of a longstanding fear of reporting to law enforcement and inconsistent reporting standards by law enforcement agencies.

Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Arab-American community leaders and organizations have firmly denounced these hate incidents, stood in support and solidarity with the victims and survivors of these acts, and refused to allow the perpetrators of hate to divide us. In addition to bringing our communities together to condemn acts of hate, we also must ensure that survivors of these incidents and their communities have the support and resources they need. Local community organizations who serve people who are targeted for hate must have the resources to support the needs of the communities they serve.

Antisemitism is at the core of white nationalism, and white nationalism thrives on division. We, as diverse organizations, remain united in confronting the legacy and present-day effects of white supremacy and all acts of hate, including hate crimes against Jews, in our country. Now, more than ever, we must stand and work together to combat hate, including this recent spike of antisemitic acts, wherever we find it.  Those seeking to divide our communities will fail. We will never stop protecting and advancing civil and human rights for all, nor let up on our mission to build an America as good as its ideals

Sincerely,

Attached is Full List of Signatories