NEW YORK - World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder underscored Monday that the racist rhetoric and violence that unfolded in Charlottesville over the weekend have “no place, whatsoever, in our society”, adding that he hopes that “groups of all faiths and backgrounds can work together to foster an environment of tolerance."
“Like all Americans, I was appalled, repulsed, and sickened as I watched the events unfold in Charlottesville, Virginia this weekend. This type of rhetoric and violence has no place, whatsoever, in our society," Lauder said. “This afternoon, I was pleased to hear President Trump classify the events exactly as they were – racist and bigoted – and to specifically denounce the Ku Klux Klan, Neo-Nazis and White Supremacists. These groups do not represent America, nor the freedoms that too many generations before us gave their lives fighting for."
"As President Trump said, ‘we are created equal in the eyes of our Creator,’ and I hope that groups of all faiths and backgrounds can work together to foster an environment of tolerance to ensure the events of this weekend are never repeated," Lauder added. "The World Jewish Congress is at the forefront of the fight for tolerance across the world every single day, and the despicable actions of a few will not stop us.”
Lauder on Saturday harshly condemned the violent Neo-Nazi demonstrations that left dozens wounded and one dead.
“The World Jewish Congress unequivocally condemns the inconceivable violence exhibited at the neo-Nazi demonstration today in Charlottesville. Our prayers are with the victims of this violence and their families. It is utterly distressing and repugnant that such hatred and bigotry still run rampant in parts of this country. There is no place in our democratic society for such violence and intolerance. We must be vigilant and united in our opposition to such abhorrence," he said. “We commend the Charlottesville authorities and local government for their quick action in quelling these protests and restoring calm, and sincerely hope that this will serve as a deterrent for future demonstrations of violence.".
