Skokie Holds 'Vigil Against Hate'

SKOKIE, IL — Skokie community and faith leaders announced a vigil and demonstration in response to the weekend's 'Unite the Right' rally in Charlottesville, Virginia will take place Monday evening. The Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob Synagogue (SVAJ) called for for a 'Vigil Against Hate' to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of Greenwood Street and East Prairie Road to unite all members of the community "in a statement of protest against anti-Semitism, racism and bigotry in all forms." The synagogue noted that Skokie, with a sizable population of Holocaust survivors, relatives and descendants, has a notable history of confronting Nazi ideology.

“Nazism, the KKK, and white supremacists’ evil and violent ethos must be confronted from every corner of our society,” said SVAJ Rabbi Ari Hart. “All people of moral conscience are called at this moment to say: hatred will not be tolerated.”

The non-denominational and non-partisan gathering will be led by leaders of local community and faith groups. The synagogue will open at 5:30 p.m. for sign-making and a pizza dinner will be available for purchase. Skokie police will be on hand for safety measures.

“The hatred we have seen can make us afraid,” Hart said. “But when we join together in love, respect, and a commitment to be there for one another, we are stronger than any hate.”

Location of Vigil Against Hate (Monday, Aug. 14 6:30 p.m.)

For more information on Monday's event please visit the Vigil Against Hate or contact Ari Hart at 312-316-9178 or ravari@svaj.org.

_{Top photo credit Patch Editor Geoff Dempsey}