We are deeply disturbed by reports of threats to Jewish Centers across the country and condemn this and all acts of hate and violence. Today’s reports are sadly not isolated incidents. Unfortunately, these episodes appear to be on the rise. We were equally disturbed by reports on the rise of hate crimes against Muslims in the days following the election.
It must be emphasized now more than ever that all Americans must stand united against hate and violence. These threats concern us not just as members of the Iranian-American community, which includes many Jewish members and which has itself faced acts of hatred and discrimination, but also as members of a shared community. These hate crimes not only target the American Jewish community, but also attack the basic values and ideals that bind us all.
We in the Iranian-American community express our solidarity with all of those communities who are being threatened – regardless of their faith or background. A threat against one of us is a threat against all of us and we are united by our shared humanity and appreciation of one another.
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