The Kenosha City Council voted unanimously Monday night to support the Jewish community and condemn anti-Semitism, as portions of the city continue to be inundated with hate propaganda.
The resolution, sponsored by Mayor John Antaramian, passed to “condemn anti-Semitism, discrimination, racism, hate and violence and stand in solidarity with our Jewish community members.”
It also states the city will “stand in solidarity with our Jewish community as we strive to make our city a safe, inclusive and equitable place for all.”
Rabbi Dena Feingold, who leads the Beth Hillel Temple, 6050 Eighth Ave., said she was made aware of pamphlets placed in bags of rice in both the Sunnyside and Allendale neighborhoods earlier this year.
Feingold
One of the pamphlets, obtained by the Kenosha News, claims “every single aspect of the COVID agenda is Jewish.”
The pamphlet had a Star of David printed on the top of it and listed numerous falsehoods about Jews.
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During a Congregations United to Serve Humanity interfaith “Cleansing Walk” on Saturday that started at Beth Hillel and ended at Eichelman Park, Feingold said there have been at least five waves of such materials being distributed in the city.
“There seems to be an ongoing effort that’s going on all around the country, although we think Kenosha is the only city in Wisconsin that has been targeted,” Feingold said Saturday.
“As Jews, we are accustomed, unfortunately, to Anti-Semitism in various forms. We’ve seen it here at the Temple in other forms before, but I have to say that I’ve never seen in all of my life seen anything as consistently being brought forward again and again and again in one place. It really feels like a violation.”
On Monday, Ald. Jan Michalski said it was time for such a resolution.
Michalski
“These hateful events have happened almost exclusively in my district, primarily in my district,” he said. “I’ve spoken about this before, and I’m very grateful for the mayor to bring this up. I think it’s a very worthwhile resolution.”
National issue
Earlier this year, a synagogue in North Texas was held hostage by a terrorist.
After the Texas attack, the Anti-Defamation League issued a statement calling for local law enforcement organizations to help protect their Jewish communities.
“The risks remain high in light of the historic level of anti-Semitism across the country and the proliferation of anti-Jewish hate online,” the statement read. “ADL offices across the country will be reaching out to local law enforcement in the coming days to ensure that steps are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community.”
In 2018, 11 worshippers were killed in an attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.
IN PHOTOS: CUSH anti-Semitism cleansing walk in Downtown Kenosha on April 2, 2022
CUSH CLEANSING WALK
The Rev. Monica Cummings leads a march to Eichelman Park during a demonstration and walk to cleanse the community of antisemitism on Saturday, April 2, 2022.
CUSH CLEANSING WALK
Rabbi Dena Feingold speaks in front of Beth Hillel Temple during a demonstration and walk to cleanse the community of antisemitism organized by CUSH Religious Leaders on Saturday, April 2, 2022.
CUSH CLEANSING WALK
The Rev. Kevin Beebe pours lemon water on the ground at Kenosha’s Eichelman Park during a demonstration and walk to cleanse the community of antisemitism on Saturday. The event was organized by Congregations United to Service Humanity and local faith leaders. Eighteen local religious leaders endorsed a statement condemning incidents of antisemitism in the community, including five waves where fliers were left in driveways. “As faith leaders, as people of the God of all, we stand solidly with Beth Hillel Temple and the rest of the Jewish community in Kenosha,” the statement read in part. “As community leaders, as people of the city and county of Kenosha, we ask that our public safety officials take seriously and investigate thoroughly these threats, these attacks on our community. Today it is just fliers. Tomorrow it could be something much worse.” LOOK: To see additional photos, point your smartphone camera at the QR code, then tap the link.
CUSH CLEANSING WALK
The walk stopped at Eichelman Park where people prayed and poured lemon water on the ground during a demonstration and walk to cleanse the community of antisemitism on Saturday, April 2, 2022.
CUSH CLEANSING WALK
People stand in the snow during a demonstration and walk to cleanse the community of antisemitism organized by CUSH Religious Leaders Caucus at Beth Hillel Temple on Saturday, April 2, 2022.
CUSH CLEANSING WALK
The Rev. Jim Lynch speaks during a demonstration and walk to cleanse the community of antisemitism organized by CUSH Religious Leaders Caucus at Beth Hillel Temple on Saturday, April 2, 2022.
CUSH CLEANSING WALK
The Rev. Jim Lynch speaks during a demonstration and walk to cleanse the community of antisemitism organized by CUSH Religious Leaders Caucus at Beth Hillel Temple on Saturday, April 2, 2022.
