Milwaukee Jewish Federation
Press Release

Jewish Community denounces hateful rhetoric, calls for compassionate treatment of refugees

“Such hateful and xenophobic invective against Muslims has no place in our political discourse.”

By - Dec 11th, 2015 10:23 am

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation denounces the hateful rhetoric of recent days that vilifies Muslims or suggests that they be barred from entering the United States.

“Such hateful and xenophobic invective against Muslims has no place in our political discourse. It violates our most cherished values as Americans and as Jews,” said JCRC Chair Michael Pollack. “American Jews are all too aware of the dangers of discrimination and exclusion from safe haven, and stand with the Muslim community in condemning this demonizing rhetoric.”

“We must not tolerate attempts to segregate, label, or discriminate against persons on the basis of their religion,” said Ann Jacobs, chair of the JCRC’s Anti-Semitism and Constitutional Law Task Force. “We cannot acquiesce in the calls for monitoring or limitations on places of worship merely due to their religious affiliation.”

The JCRC today approved a consensus policy position about the Syrian refugee crisis that calls on the U.S. government to increase the number of refugees it will accept and the funds necessary to provide adequate resettlement, while undergoing a sensible and reasonable review of the screening program for refugees and others seeking visas.

JCRC Director Elana Kahn said, “We understand the complex issues of national security and they need to be addressed in a reasonable and compassionate way that protects the rights of all people, regardless of religion or national origin.”

The JCRC speaks as the representative voice of the Milwaukee Jewish community on issues of public affairs and public policy.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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