MDJC Chair Applauds Charges Against Neo-Nazis, Dana Nessel's Record of Protecting Jewish Michiganders from Antisemitic Violence
Charges against members of neo-Nazi group “The Base” arrive year after its members targeted Upper Peninsula synagogue; Nessel’s decisive actions further her strong record of fighting antisemitism and violence in Michigan, says MDJC Chair Noah Arbit
WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — Noah Arbit, founder and chairman of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, issued the following statement following Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s announcement of state charges against members of “The Base,” a violent, antisemitic, neo-Nazi movement:
“Antisemitic, far-right extremist groups like “The Base” have threatened the State of Michigan - and Jewish Michiganders in particular - for far too long, and I am grateful for Attorney General Dana Nessel’s decisive action today to hold them accountable for their crimes. According to police filings, the men charged were motivated by a deep, ideological hatred of Jews, with one stating, "I will train with firearms, explosives, knives, Ryder trucks, and anything else I have to destroy this KIKE SYSTEM THAT IS GENOCIDING MY people.”
Today’s charges arrive just one year after members of The Base vandalized the historic Temple Jacob synagogue in Hancock, in the Upper Peninsula, and three weeks after the far-right terrorist plot to kill Governor Whitmer was foiled.
“Extremist violence motivated by a conspiratorial hatred of Jews has exploded in Michigan and across the country over the past four years, and Jewish Michiganders deserve better than leaders who continually play footsie with such dangerous dog-whistles and conspiracies, from the President to Republican leaders in the state legislature,” Arbit said.
“Our community owes a debt of gratitude to Attorney General Nessel, who has prioritized the prosecution of hate crimes and ethnic intimidation since she was elected. So long as antisemites, white supremacists, far-right extremists, and terror groups seek to threaten anyone in the State of Michigan, they will have to contend with Dana Nessel on the other side of the courtroom.”
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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