An antisemitic alarm has sounded in our country that can’t be ignored.
Over the last few weeks, the U.S. has seen a dramatic rise in prejudiced attacks — particularly towards Jewish American citizens.
Synagogues have been vandalized from Phoenix to New York City, and the number of physical assaults has also “skyrocketed.”
Some of these attacks aren’t being hidden either. In Times Square, a Jewish man was recently beaten unconscious in broad daylight.
The rise in violence and harassment towards Jews stateside stems from the recent fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East, which ended in a cease-fire on May 20 after 11 days of violence.
Shortly after the cease-fire, which left more than 248 Palestinians dead in Gaza and at least 12 people killed in Israel, Jewish American leaders said they worried repercussions for Jews in the U.S. may be long lasting.
The recent bigoted attacks are disgusting, un-American and must be condemned.
Hate has no place in our country — whether it be towards religion, race, sex or otherwise — and those that engage in such gross behavior must be held accountable.
This message also needs to extend past this editorial.
President Biden and Vice President Harris both spoke out on the recent attacks last week, but many in Congress have stayed mum.
While a handful of representatives have signed-on to letters condemning the hate crimes, efforts to fight the issue have largely stopped there.
In addition, rather than talking about the violence taking place in our country, many have extended their opinion on what is happening abroad — especially on social media.
More state and federal officials need to come out and denounce the recent violence, and speak with those in targeted communities to see how they can best help them.
Americans are stronger when coming together to fight against a common enemy. Hate needs to be put in our sights.
