Nassau Synagogue Launches Anti-Hatred Website

On Tuesday, Central Synagogue - Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre launched a new website, www.unitedagainsthatred.org, to address hatred and prejudice no matter the source. The date of the website’s release was chosen to coincide with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as its message is one of both justice and action.

The concept for the site emerged during a meeting of a task force of concerned congregants and community members on Nov. 30, 2016. At the meeting, it was acknowledged that 2016 was truly unprecedented, as an atmosphere of anxiety, fear, distrust and even hatred emerged throughout the United States. Hate crime statistics show an increase at staggering rates and as the New Year begins that number has continued to rise.

Congregants Dr. Louise Skolnik and Lana Glass serve as the co-chairs of this project, and have worked with synagogue members and staff, including Rabbis Marc Gruber and Elliot Skiddell, to create the site.

“Jews and other vulnerable minorities may be seriously threatened in America,” said Gruber. ”This danger seems to be growing. The dogmatism and bigotry on the left and the right, combined with the lack of civility in the recent presidential election, have given permission for extreme groups and individuals to attack vulnerable minorities. The fact that we and others may face mortal danger in the not too distant future is overwhelming reason to remain vigilant.”

The information on the site has been curated from credible, established sources and is aimed at sharing news, resources, reporting information and both local and national events. It is the hope of the website’s founders that its creation will be a positive action against those who spew hatred and target and threaten the peace, possessions and safety of all citizens.