Press Release
Published on October 25, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 25, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT
Meredith MacKenzie, HRF@westendstrategy.com, (202) 412-4270
WASHINGTON – Human Rights First’s senior advisor for combating anti-Semitism and former U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism, Ira Forman, made the following statement ahead of this weekend’s planned Day of Action Against Anti-Semitism, on the first anniversary of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting.
“Like so much of the Jewish community’s history, this day of action against anti-Semitism is born out of tragedy. After yet another tragic incident of anti-Semitic, extremist violence was visited upon the Tree of Life Synagogue one year ago this weekend, we saw that we cannot flag in continuing to work combat anti-Semitism, in the United States and abroad.
“This weekend, as we commemorate this solemn anniversary and mourn those who lost their lives, individuals and organizations across the country will commit themselves to taking immediate, meaningful action to ending the scourge of anti-Semitism and defend the human rights of people of all faiths, and none. From leading marches and public demonstrations to conducting outreach and education to raise awareness of the problem, to engaging in the hard work of de-radicalization, all of us have a role to play in this important, necessary work. It is vital that we each do our part.
“There are no sidelines in this fight. Unless and until we each commit to ending anti-Semitism in practice and in policies, the problem will persist. This weekend’s anniversary reminds us of the urgency of the problem, and the necessity of taking action to address it. Out of tragedy, we can – and we will – find the strength to make a better world.”
