Statement on Hate March on Saturday

As many of you know, around noon Saturday Nov. 18th, a group of neo-Nazis with shirts labeled "Blood Tribe" marched from campus areas to the Capitol and areas of the east side, including a stop at the Gates of Heaven synagogue. The display of such a hateful group was absolutely abominable. 

I relate to how residents throughout the city, especially those that live in District 2 and surrounding downtown area must have been mortified as we bore witness to hate in our own backyard. I applaud Gov. Evers, Chancellor Mnookin, and Mayor Rhodes-Conway for their swift condemnation of hate in our communities that reflected the shared sentiment amongst most neighbors. 

Though we can all agree that such a display was despicable, I can't help but see the connection between last Saturday's actions and the current crisis in Gaza. Amongst the tragic loss of life, particularly innocent civilians, incidents of antisemitism, anti-muslim, and anti-arab have been surging in our city, nation, and around the world. 

In this time of mass grief amongst communities, I encourage us to go a step further for our neighbors and proactively find and create spaces of shared learning and understanding. Let us move with empathy and love for all our neighbors and celebration of our backgrounds.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hare; only love can do that" - MLK