MDJC Outraged by Pro-Trump Desecration of Grand Rapids Jewish Cemetery on Election Eve
Numerous headstones at Ahavas Israel cemetery in Grand Rapids discovered vandalized with pro-Trump messages mere hours before the President is slated to rally in the city; desecration is evocative of a febrile atmosphere created by President’s support for antisemites and white supremacists, says MDJC Chair Noah Arbit
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus is appalled and outraged by the desecration of Ahavas Israel cemetery in Grand Rapids, a year after the city’s reform synagogue was vandalized with antisemitic imagery, and on the day Donald Trump is slated to close his campaign with a rally in Grand Rapids. Make no mistake, this heinous act was committed on the eve of the 2020 election to send an intimidating message to the president’s opponents, and particularly, Jewish voters. But it has failed. Grand Rapids’ Jewish community will not be cowed by this vile attack on Ahavas Israel. Instead, Jews in Grand Rapids, the State of Michigan, and across the country will head to the polls tomorrow to vote against this president and the hatred, violence, and antisemitism he so callously incites.
Cary Fleischer, Grand Rapids regional chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, stated, “This attack on our Jewish community in Grand Rapids speaks volumes about the choice confronting our country in tomorrow’s election. It is long past time to elect leaders who care about the communities they serve, who will defend the rule of law and stand up to hatred and violent extremism - not stoke its flames.”
Noah Arbit, founder and chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, added, “The desecration at Ahavas Israel is evocative of the febrile political atmosphere our country finds itself in right now. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Time and again, the President of the United States has sided with antisemites, white supremacists, racists, and bigots of all kinds. Now, our country is paying the price. Tomorrow, we will end it.”
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About: The Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus is the voice of Jewish Michiganders in the Democratic Party, dedicated to combating antisemitism and electing Democrats who share our values. In addition to supporting candidates through state and federal PACs, MDJC works to strengthen the link between Michigan’s Jews and Democrats through strong communications and public forums, to increase Jewish representation in Michigan politics, and to advocate for progressive policies that benefit all Michiganders.
CONTACT: Noah Arbit, Chair
(248) 325-8560