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By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
As those of the Jewish faith approach the High Holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, when they attone for their sins and celebrate a new year, all three Downbeach communities have approved resolutions denouncing antisemitism and calling for education and healing.
Longport Commissioner James Leeds said he was pleased to see the resolution on the Board of Commissioners Aug. 16 agenda and that the borough was taking a stand against hate.
The following day, the Margate Board of Commissioners approved the resolution after hearing comments from Marcia I. Bronstein, regional director of the American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey. Margate resident Dr. Len Grossman is president of the organization.
Ventnor approved a similar resolution at the July 27 Board of Commissioners meeting.
Bronstein said the organization, which works to enhance the well being of Jewish people and advance the rights and democratic values in the U.S. and around the world, is taking a whole of society approach to antisemitism, which she said will not be tolerated in the United States.
According to Bronstein, polls show that 89% of Americans believe antisemitism is a problem and a threat to democracy.
It's something we all need to be vigilant against, she said.
Jewish people are a targeted minority that is most likely to be victimized by incidents of hate, which are on the rise, including in New Jersey. A recent American Jewish Committee report found that one in three American Jews say they have been victims of antisemitism over the last five years.
Educating the public on how to recognize antisemitic language and tropes is an important way for the public to understand what is hurtful to the Jewish community. For instance, the echo symbol (((echo))) that can often appear online is a symbol that antisemites, neoNazis and white nationalists use to mock and harass Jews. Also, the term globalist promotes a conspiracy theory that Jewish people do not hold allegiance to their countries. It was imbedded in core ideology of Nazism, and that Jews hold greed and tribe above country.
Bronstein provided brochures on the hate glossery, which is available online at acj.org/translatehate.
The board unanimously approved the resolution, which is being circulated to municipalities by the NJ State League of Municipalities for consideration.
Thank you for taking pre-emptive action and being pro-active and forward thinking in taking a stance, and for not waiting for a tragedy to occur, she said.
Bronstein invited public officials in Downbeach communities to attend shabbat services at a local synagogue on Oct. 27, the fifth anniversary of the Tree of Life massacre.
Show up for shabbat and show the Jewish community they are not alone.
For more information, see ajc.org
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