It was an honor to be invited to attend this Monday’s “Vigil Against Hate” in response to the weekend’s ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. We applaud Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob for hosting this event which worked 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 was led by leaders of local community and faith groups. “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.” 
