AMP denounces attacks on our Jewish brothers and sisters

Calls on media to shed light on uptick in anti-Semitic incidents
 
(WASHINGTON 02/21/2017) -- Earlier this month, amid the turmoil surrounding President Trump’s “Muslim ban,” a vandal smashed the windows of the Loop Synagogue in Chicago and affixed swastikas to the walls in a vile hate crime. While this attack attracted media attention – and outpouring of interfaith support – dozens of other threats against Jewish Americans are taking place unnoticed by the general public.
 
In January, 57 bomb threats were called into 47 Jewish centers, prompting the evacuation of at least 14 institutions. Since then, American Jewish centers have experienced several more waves of bomb threats, including 11 on Monday. Many of these buildings contain schools and day care centers. Reports of swastikas are turning up on college campuses and neighborhoods from coast to coast. Over the weekend, vandals destroyed and toppled 100 grave markers in a Jewish cemetery outside St. Louis. 
 
The American Muslims for Palestine, a national education organization, condemns these anti-Semitic acts of violence. Though no one has reportedly been physically hurt, these acts effectively spread fear and evoke memories of one of the most horrific times in recent history. AMP asserts we must come together as Americans to fight this latest round of bigotry that is tearing our country apart.
 
“These threats and intimidation tactics, unfortunately, seem to be the result of the racist and Islamophobic rhetoric and policies being made by some people in the administration,” said Dr. Osama Abuirshaid, AMP national policy director. “When white supremacists enjoy privilege in this administration, people filled with hate feel empowered to act out in disgusting ways.”
 
The media has been slow in covering the apparent uptick in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. AMP calls on the mainstream media to shine light on these attacks.
 
“We need the media to cover these stories in hopes it will stop the bigotry in its tracks,” said Kristin Szremski, AMP director of media and communications. “We need the media to elevate these stories so we can come together as Americans and fight this hatred.”