The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans’ Jewish Community Relations Council strongly condemns Wednesday’s violent insurrection at the United States Capitol. This act was a direct assault on our democratic process in its attempt to disrupt the peaceful transition of power following a presidential election.
We counsel members of Congress and other elected officials to speak out against Wednesday’s violence and, especially in light of this week’s Congressional certification, against any continuing rhetoric questioning the legitimacy of the election.
Ugly and tangible expressions of white nationalism, antisemitism, and hate – from Nazi symbols to Confederate flags – were broadcast globally to a horrified audience on January 6, 2021. This is not who we aspire to be as a country, and underscores a significant need to examine how easily bigotry and grievance can be weaponized.
We urge all Americans to stand together for the sake of our democracy against hate-fueled incitement and violence. We must work together to heal as a nation.