WJC president calls George Floyd “a horrific racist act”

June 4, 2020 by J-Wire Newsdesk
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World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder and has condemned the killing of George Floyd as a “horrific racist act,” and calls on protesters to remain nonviolent in expressing their legitimate anger.

Ronald S. Lauder

“Like most Americans, I was sickened by the sight of a Minneapolis police officer murdering a young African-American man in a horrific racist act reminiscent of the worst moments in our nation’s history. But the answer to racism and bigotry must never be rampant violence. I join leaders on all sides of the political spectrum in calling for calm as we must all work to heal our nation and bring all Americans, black and white, Jewish, Christian and Muslim, together.

“At the same time, while I of course understand and share the anger at the brutal killing of George Floyd, I am appalled by the unrestrained violence that threatens to tear our nation apart. In the spirit of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, we must all bear in mind that nonviolent protest, not looting and destruction, is the only legitimate way for all those who wish to affect our national agenda to take part in a sober, bipartisan eradication of racism, antisemitism, and other hatreds in American society.”

In Israel, Yad Vashem added its voice stating: “Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, condemns all forms of bigotry, racism and hatred. Sadly, such attitudes have all too often shown their potential for inciting violence and destruction.

In light of the worrying rise of antisemitic expressions in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as recent deplorable acts against minority populations and their violent consequences, we must redouble our efforts to combat hatred and intolerance wherever they appear. Undoubtedly, an essential tool in this effort is to engage the public in meaningful and accurate education about the Holocaust, which highlights the danger of virulent and unchecked racism.”

In Australia, Jillian Segal president of The Executive Council of Australian Jewry added: “We are all horrified by the killing of George Floyd and its aftermath and hope that for the sake of all Americans, law and order is swiftly restored, justice to the family of George Floyd is delivered and concerted efforts are made to tackle systemic racism and end instances of police brutality

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