After far-right activists and white supremacists stormed into the US Capitol on Wednesday, the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust recommitted to education about the Holocaust and current extremism, hate and violence.
Many of the rioters who stormed the Capitol were carrying antisemitic and racist symbols, including Confederate flags, hoodies reading “Camp Auschwitz” and symbols of white supremacist groups.
“We have a responsibility to stand up and condemn the blatant bigotry displayed at the Capitol on Wednesday,” said Jack Kliger, president and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. “We cannot be silent bystanders. We must speak up and take action wherever and whenever we witness hatred and threats of violence.”
“Our museum draws on lessons from the Holocaust to educate about hate and injustice in our current times,” added Kliger. “We remain committed to educating our visitors, whether in-person or online, on the reality and dangers of extremism.”
The museum will join the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the New York Board of Rabbis in presenting the “Extremism: What you need to know in 2021” virtual event to discuss the challenges of present-day extremism and ways to fight it, on Thursday, January 14 at 9 p.m. IST (2 p.m. EST).