Reply to Farrakhan Speaker Concludes Anti-Semitic Remarks with "Jews are Termites" at Trayon Support Rally

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=jsteele]Here's an update for those of you who aren't obsessive Twitter followers of those involved in local politics. The Council has breakfasts prior to Council sessions that are informal meetings. They aren't broadcast, but are open to the public. This morning, there was discussion of a resolution condemning hate speech. Twelve of the thirteen members present (Trayon White wasn't there at that time) supported the resolution. [b]The only opponent was Elissa Silverman who didn't think the resolution went far enough. She demanded action rather than mere words. Silverman, Cheh, and Grosso all called for Josh Lopez to be removed from the Housing Commission.[/b] At some point, a Jewish faith leader interrupted them and yelled about Jews being called "termites". It was eventually agreed that Mendelson would draft a letter to Mayor Bowser asking her to remove Lopez and then circulate the letter for signatures. He is concerned that not all CMs will sign it.

There is video of Rabbi Herzfeld interrupting them here:

https://twitter.com/FenitN/status/991333292799643648

The Council then gathered on the Wilson Building stairs in an impromptu condemnation of hate speech.

The Council is also planning a visit to the Holocaust Museum and possibly the African American Museum. Finally, Brianne Nadeau is working with Bowser to plan an event on May 16 to learn about Jewish and African-American histories.

Edit to add: here is video of the statement on the steps of the Wilson building which included a specific reference to the anti-Semitic remarks previously spoken there:

https://twitter.com/FenitN/status/991338852760588288
[/quote]
Hallelujah, amen! (And thanks for posting the latest news.)

I am so relieved that Elissa Silverman stood up against the weak initial response recommended by 12 of the members. A resolution condemning hate speech, really? THAT requires a resolution? All that would have been is a bunch of talk with no real meaning behind it, other than to transmit that anti-Semitism enabled by a DC official brings about no real action. Kudos for Silverman (and Cheh and Grosso) for sending a stronger message: DC leaders do not tolerate those who advance or enable anti-Semitism in their ranks, and those who do will be asked to resign (or be terminated).

(Don't get me started on Trayon.  As far as I'm concerned, he has been given FAR too wide a berth on this issue, but I understand the fear of political blowback, unfortunate as it is. Also, was the reason he was not present because the Council was going to discuss proper action in the face of anti-Semitism, and he wanted no part of it and voluntarily skipped it? Or was he asked to absent himself because he has refused to condemn an anti-Semitic attack on his fellow Councilmember, as demonstrated last week?)

[/quote]
Oops. Meant to say I'm the OP above (although I don't know that it makes any difference).[/quote]

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