World Jewish News

Sharansky, Yad Vashem express concern over anti-Semitism demonstrated in Charlottesville neo-Nazi rally

“I am deeply concerned by the expressions of anti-Semitism and other forms of racism and hatred exhibited at the neo-Nazi rally this past weekend in Charlottesville,’’ stated Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel.

A woman died and 19 people were injured in the city of Charlottesville , Virginia, when a car plowed into a crowd of people after a rally by Ku Klux Klan members and other white nationalists turned violent. Two state police officers died in a helicopter crash near the area.

Members of the alt-right clashed with police, anti-fascist and other groups as disturbing manifestations of anti-Semitism and hatred were witnessed at the rally, including anti-Semitic chants, swastika flags and other white supremacist paraphernalia.

‘’There is no place for such hate speech or violence in any democratic society. I am confident that American authorities will do everything in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice. No student, Jewish or otherwise, should feel threatened at his or her university, and Jewish students at the University of Virginia should know that the local Hillel staff is available to them at all times, as is the Jewish Agency Israel Fellow at UVA,” Sharansky said.

Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerualem, also issued a statement expressing concern over the images, hateful rhetoric, and subsequent violence emanating from the rally in Charlottesville;

‘’In our post-Holocaust global society, there is no room for racism or anti-Semitism. The anti-Jewish ideology of the Nazis was a precursor to the eventual murderous policy and extermination of six million Jews. These images are yet another reminder that we must remain vigilant about educating the public regarding hatred and xenophobia,’’ it said.

Yad Vashem said it is ‘’determined to continue raising public awareness on this topic through its vast educational and commemorative activities. The memory of the Holocaust – and its meanings today – is more relevant than ever to our society worldwide.’’

US President Donald Trump bowed to overwhelming pressure that he personally condemn white supremacists who incited the bloody demonstrations in Charlottesville, labeling their racists views “evil”.

“Racism is evil.And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the K.K.K., neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans,” he said.

Several of the president’s top advisers, including his new Chief of Staff John F. Kelly, pressed Trump to issue a more forceful rebuke after his comment that the violence in Charlottesville was initiated by “many sides.”

EJP