A Week In Review August 25, 2017

For one brief moment on Monday our country found something to smile about and unite behind -- the solar eclipse. It was a bipartisan moment when Democrats and Republicans marveled at the moon covering the sun. We were all inspired at this event which was completely out of human control. But that awe-inspiring moment quickly passed, and then the memories of Charlottesville immediately returned. 

We cannot let time ease the pain and fade the images of neo-Nazi's yelling, "Jews will not replace us. Blood and soil." In our fast-paced world, we are bombarded constantly by social media, crises and world conflict. Our attention flickers just as quickly. But as summer and the Congressional recess winds down and our attention turns to health care, debt ceilings and a possible government shutdown, we must still remember Charlottesville and the anti-Semitism and bigotry that has seeped into our society. Complacency is dangerous.

Each of us has a moral responsibility to stand up and speak out against those that want to use the weapon of hate on other religious or minority groups. There are several bills in Congress which aim to deal with this rising threat of bigotry. 

For the past seven months, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have refused to appoint a Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. The envoy, who has always received bipartisan Congressional support, plays a critical role in our country's efforts to fight domestic and international anti-Semitism. 

Call your Representative and Senators at 202-224-3121. Tell them to urge the President and Secretary of State to fill this position and tell them to support the NO HATE Act bill. 

We can't remain silent at home nor abroad.

Special Note: 
Join JAC for special member event: an in-depth discussion about anti-Semitism with Ira Forman, former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism on Tuesday, August 29th 3:00 pm CT/4:00 pm ET. Click here for more information.