Holocaust Organizations, Scholars and Educators Sound Alarm on Surge in Hate Crimes

In a powerful statement issued by a network of Holocaust educational institutions, scholars and educators from around the world, an alarm is being sounded on the rise of groups that promote intolerance and hate speech.

The Center for Holocaust, Human Rights & Genocide Education (Chhange) at Brookdale Community College is proud to join more than 90 Holocaust remembrance institutions and more than 70 individual scholars and educators to call on lawmakers to condemn white nationalist groups and ask citizens to be vigilant. The statement is as follows:

Recent months have seen a surge in unabashed racism and hate speech – including blatant antisemitism and attacks on Hispanics, Muslims, African-Americans, women, the LGBTQ community, as well as other targeted groups. Journalists have been threatened. Places of worship, schools and playgrounds have been defaced with Nazi symbols intended to intimidate and arouse fear. White supremacist groups have become self-congratulatory and emboldened.

As Holocaust scholars, educators and institutions, we are alarmed by these trends. History teaches us that intolerance, unchecked, leads to persecution and violence. We denounce racism and the politics of fear that fuels it. We stand in solidarity with all vulnerable groups. We take Elie Wiesel’s words to heart: "I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation."

Therefore, we call upon all elected officials as well as all civic and religious leaders to forcefully and explicitly condemn the rise in hate speech and any attacks on our democratic principles. We call upon all media and social media platforms to refuse to provide a stage for hate groups and thus normalize their agenda. And we call upon all people of good conscience to be vigilant, to not be afraid, and to speak out.

This statement is co-authored by members of the Association of Holocaust Organizations, a network dedicated to the advancement of Holocaust education, remembrance and research, and is affirmed by more than 160 individuals and institutions, including the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights & Genocide Education (Chhange).

Chhange at Brookdale Community College is a non-profit organization that addresses human rights and civil rights issues worldwide. The mission of Chhange is to educate about the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights; promote the elimination of racism, antisemitism, and all forms of prejudice; and develop creative programs regarding these crucial human issues.

"Anne Frank: A History for Today," an extraordinary exhibit developed by the Anne Frank House, will begin an exclusive, two-month engagement at Chhange on April 2. Quotes from Anne Frank's diary frame every exhibit panel, recapturing the events and moments of daily life through her eyes. Docent-led tours will be available at Chhange, which will launch the "Through Your Eyes" student art installation in conjunction with "Anne Frank: A History for Today."

For additional details about the Anne Frank and student art exhibits, and other Chhange programs, please visit www.chhange.org or call 732-224- 1889.