As an alliance of Westside Democratic clubs in Los Angeles, we believe in and support free speech of all types. But we cannot remain silent – we must publically take a stand whenever we see hate speech, especially when this week we’ve seen antisemitism in public demonstrations and leaflet canvassing right in our neighborhoods.
Jewish people have a proud and vital history in our city, and as a community have played an irreplaceable role in making our city a warm and embracing extended family for all of us. Today we stand with all of our Jewish community members against this latest round of MAGA-inspired white supremacy and antisemitic demonstrations.
Statements by leading Trump supporters GOP State Controller candidate Lanhee Chen and Kanye West, with his “celebrity” status, breed more and more hate in our society. His followers work with other neo-Nazi groups like the ones who hung banners praising “Kanye” over the I-405, in a coordinated and arrogant attempt to make antisemitism publicly acceptable.
Last year marked an all-time high for antisemitic incidents. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), attacks against synagogues and Jewish community centers increased by 61%, and a total of 2,717 occurrences of assault, harassment, and vandalism were reported.
All of the recent antisemitic events make it seem like the world is becoming more accepting of antisemitism, division, and hate. We can’t let that happen. Like with other hate-filled actions and words against Blacks, Latinos, Asians, the LGBTQ community, and women we must shine a light on what these hate-mongers are doing. When one of our communities is attacked, we are all in danger.
The only way to stop antisemitism is to clearly call it out, draw the line against it, and cut off ties to those that advocate it. We applaud Adidas, Balenciaga, Creative Artists, and the other companies that have cut ties with “Kanye.” We call upon all candidates running for office in the November 8 elections who oppose the recent displays of antisemitism to issue public statements condemning them, understanding that silence equals collaboration. We hold that anyone who continues to support any advocate of antisemitism has no place among our public servants or in Los Angeles civil society.
WDHQ Steering Committee
(Representatives of 13 Democratic Clubs/Organizations)
