October 30, 2020
THE WEEK’S BIG 3
Two years after a white supremacist gunned down 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, ADL reflects on the memories of those lost and what we as a nation can do to prevent another tragedy like this. The U.K. Labour Party has suspended its former leader, Jeremy Corbyn, after a watchdog report found that the party failed to properly take action against allegations of antisemitism during his time in charge. The FBI arrested a member and an associate of neo-Nazi terror group the Base in Michigan, the latest in a sweeping nationwide crackdown against the group that started in January.
Read on for more on these headlines, news you can use to fight hate and the latest info about ADL from around the country.
1) Pittsburgh: We Remember and Reflect
“On the second anniversary of the tragic October day, we honor the eleven lives lost to the single deadliest antisemitic attack in US history. We hear from Pittsburghers who share an outlook of hope as their community heals.” YouTube: WATCH
+ READ: Pittsburgh synagogue shooting was one of many warnings — but are we listening now? – Jonathan Greenblatt and Jeh Johnson op-ed for The Hill
2) Jeremy Corbyn Suspended by U.K. Labour Party Over Antisemitism Report
“The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on Thursday identified ‘serious failings’ with how Labour dealt with antisemitism in the party during Corbyn's time as leader. Corbyn responded to the report by saying that while he condemned antisemites, the scale of the problem under his leadership had been ‘dramatically overstated for political reasons.’” CNN: FULL STORY
3) A Leader of Neo-Nazi Terror Group The Base Arrested in Michigan
“In a pair of separate arrests in different parts of Michigan, federal agents apprehended Justin Watkins, 25, of Bad Axe and Alfred Gorman, 35, of Taylor on multiple counts including gang membership and using computers to commit a felony. Watkins, under his alias, had previously claimed to be a leader of the group who took more control after several members were arrested in early 2020.” Vice News: READ MORE
+ READ MORE: ADL Michigan Statement on Arrest of Self-Proclaimed Neo-Nazi Leader
+ ADL Resource: What is The Base?
KEY ADL SOCIAL STATEMENTS
- I am urging Congress to take note of any Members who have endorsed, given credence to or intentionally promoted QAnon content, remove them from the Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference, and decline to assign them to Congressional committees…
- Our leaders need to do what they can to create safe and fair elections. We applaud @natlassnattysgn for their statement and for AGs nationwide who are taking action…
- We have long advocated for U.S. citizens born in Jerusalem to have the right to list “Jerusalem, Israel” in their U.S. passports. We welcome today's @StateDept announcement allowing U.S. citizens, born in Jerusalem, to do just that…
IN THE COMMUNITY
- Mayor Margo facing criticism for ‘Gestapo-like tactics’ remark during work session (NBC El Paso)
- Texas Supreme Court rules in favor of Governor's order to close ballot drop sites (KRLD Radio, Dallas)
- Lafayette home vandalized with swastika graffiti, owners urge public to vote (FOX Bay Area)
ADL IN THE NEWS
- Twitter CEO dismisses Ayatollah’s threats to Israel as ‘saber-rattling’ (Jewish Insider)
- Words matter: Reflecting on the 25 years since Rabin’s assassination (The Times of Israel – Kenneth Jacobson Op-Ed)
Preventing and Countering Election-Motivated Violence Without Causing Panic (Lawfare – Ryan Greer Op-Ed)