Broward leaders hold rally to condemn antisemitism and racism
From David Volz
Mayor Michael Udine, Commissioners Nan Rich and Steve Geller joined Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, several elected officials, community, and religious leaders on October 31 to rally against antisemitism and racism.
The large cross-section of attendees spoke out against the recent offensive antisemitic messages referencing the rapper/entertainer formerly referred to as Kanye West on an outside electronic message board during a college football game in Jacksonville and antisemitic and racist graffiti that has appeared in public areas in the City of Weston.
“While it is true that we are seeing a rise in antisemitism all across the world, I’m here to tell you today unambiguously – as Mayor of Broward County – that there is no space for antisemitism in Broward County. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever,” stated Mayor Udine.
“The rise of antisemitism is part of a larger rise of hate-filled movements exacerbated by social media platforms. Our community must fight them all, any form of antisemitism, racism, bigotry, hatred, and discrimination wherever it arises. All of them threaten our democracy,” said Commissioner and former Florida Senator Nan Rich.
“We’ve seen this type of activity before, and we all know where it can lead, and we have to put a stop to it before it gets worse. How do we stop it? We stop it by speaking out. It’s been said that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing. Well, we are good people, and we are doing something,” said Commissioner and former State Senator Steve Geller.
“Silence is the oxygen that fuels antisemitism and racism. We are speaking out and we are pushing back because we are not afraid or ashamed to call out people who spew hate, no matter who they are, or how much influence they have. Not only should they be called out, but they should also be brought to justice,” said Florida Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz who brought the group of leaders together at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie.
The Mayor of Weston and other city leaders announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whomever is responsible for the vandalism that occurred in Weston.
Broward Commissioners passed an ordinance in September that explicitly detailed and further strengthened the legal definition of antisemitism and bias-motivated crimes.
