Toxic symbols, language abound
KIF’s Holocaust education program is more vital than ever! Join us on Thursday, August 27 to learn about our updated Face to Face® program.
There has been a disturbing uptick in the quantity and coarseness of anti-Semitism, including rhetoric and images associated with the Holocaust. These incidents are occurring with increasing frequency across the country and, sadly, in our own back yard.
Fortunately, Kol Israel is poised to do something about it.
ALARMING ANIMOSITY
Here are just a few recent examples of this horrifying trend:
On July 26, a spray-painted swastika is found outside the Jewish-owned Friedman, Leavitt & Associates accounting firm in University Heights. Also found are anti-Semitic and vulgar graffiti on several nearby businesses and organizations, including Mika’s Wig Boutique & Spa, Heinen’s Fine Foods, and Jewish Learning Connection, which is based at Waxman Torah Center.
In late June, teenage employees of a Brook Park Little Caesars restaurant are fired after selling a pizza topped with pepperoni arranged as a swastika.
A car parked near The Ohio State University campus in July is spray-painted with a swastika and the phrase, “I love Nazi.” It is also splattered with yellow paint, the color of Stars of David Jews were forced to wear in Nazi Germany.
Public backlash pushes online retailer SHEIN to stop selling a pendant in the shape of a counterclockwise swastika, traditionally a Buddhist symbol for spirituality and good fortune. The Nazi swastika is positioned clockwise, but critics say most people are unable to discern the difference between the two symbols and the necklace is perceived as anti-Semitic.
In July, Philadelphia Eagles star DeSean Jackson posts online remarks attributed to Adolf Hitler and praises Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. He soon apologizes and accepts an invitation to visit Auschwitz.
Jewish comedienne Chelsea Handler posts to Instagram an old clip from “The Phil Donohue Show” featuring Farrakhan questioning whether racial prejudice can be eliminated. Handler later states she should have considered Farrakhan’s history of anti-Semitism and homophobia, which, “is of course contrary to my own beliefs and values.”
Also in July, pop star Madonna posts a video of Farrakhan referring to Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, as “Satan.” In the same video, the Nation of Islam leader implores Jews to abandon Talmud.
OUR RESPONSE
Through our Face to Face Holocaust education program, Kol Israel teaches a new generation of young people to apply the lessons of the Holocaust toward making our modern and future world more tolerant and civil. Through the support of generous donors, we have updated and redesigned our Face to Face exhibit—which we are unveiling to you on Thursday, August 27, at 7 p.m.
Holocaust Education is needed now, more than ever, to address the virulent anti-Semitism and hatred permeating society as a whole and Greater Cleveland in particular. Join us to learn about our Face to Face program. Encourage middle- and high-school teachers to join us, as well, so they may hear how we are prepared to adapt this vital program to conform to any school’s COVID-19 educational model—whether that be in person or online.
Click here to register for our Face to Face Reveal:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/face-to-face-reveal-tickets-114285793886
TALK TO US
Can we count on you to join us at our Face to Face Reveal? What are you doing to increase Holocaust education and curb anti-Semitism?
