Philadelphia, PA , December 29, 2015 … In North Philadelphia, diverse community groups came together to support the victims of an anti-Muslim hate crime; the Governors of Delaware and Pennsylvania bucked the tide of anti-immigrant rhetoric and proclaimed their states open to Syrian refugees; while visiting Philadelphia, Pope Frances blessed a statue honoring 50 years of renewed Catholic-Jewish relations; and in New Jersey, the State Senate denounced growing anti-Semitism at home and overseas.
These and other events topped the Anti-Defamation League’s Top 10 list of most inspiring moments in 2015 in the region.
“2015 was a challenging year,” said Nancy Baron-Baer, ADL Regional Director. “On any given day, you could read the news and find examples of bigotry, terrorism and extremism, around the world and in our backyard. However, 2015 was also a year that brought out the best in us – thousands of people valiantly challenged hate and embraced diversity in all its forms.”
“In 2015, eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware saw shining examples of empathy, civility and unity in the face of hate. As we look towards 2016, we hope that these moments of humanity inspire people in the region to make one more New Year’s Resolution: to rededicate themselves to securing justice and fair treatment for all.”
The following is ADL Philadelphia’s Top 10 List of Most Inspirational Moments in 2015 in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, listed in reverse chronological order:
- Philadelphia Community Supports Local Mosque After Anti-Muslim Hate Crime
- Delaware and Pennsylvania Open their Borders to Welcome Syrian Refugees
- Law Enforcement Stands with Public Against Anti-Semitism in NE Philadelphia
- Pope Frances comes to Philly, Blesses New Statue Celebrating Catholic-Jewish Relations
- Lawmakers Propose PA Fairness Act to End Anti-LGBT Discrimination
- WALK Against Hate Brings Together Thousands to Celebrate Diversity
- Coalition of Interfaith Organizations Speaks Out Against Bigoted Bus Ads
- Area Universities Challenge Hate on Campus
- New Jersey Legislature Condemns Global Anti-Semitism
- Philly Police Commissioner Leads National Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Philadelphia Community Supports Local Mosque After Anti-Muslim Hate Crime
After vandals threw a severed pig’s head at the front door of the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society in North Philadelphia, religious leaders, civil rights groups and community members joined together to support Philly’s Muslim community. Mayor Nutter spoke out strongly against the hate crime, and numerous organizations condemned the incident. Hundreds of concerned citizens and neighbors attended a cook-off to show their support to the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society and the larger Muslim community of Philadelphia.
Delaware and Pennsylvania Open their Borders to Welcome Syrian Refugees
In the aftermath of the tragic Paris Attacks in November, anti-refugee rhetoric and policies spread across the country. As dozens of states closed their borders to those in need, Delaware Governor Jack Markell and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf demonstrated political courage by proclaiming their states open to refugees. By welcoming the Syrian victims of terrorism and civil war, Delaware and Pennsylvania upheld American values of defending human rights and embracing immigrants.
Law Enforcement Stands with Public Against Anti-Semitism in NE Philadelphia
As word spread of alleged anti-Semitic incidents in Northeast Philadelphia, community leaders, civil rights organizations and law enforcement came together to show that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated. Over 300 people attended a town hall meeting in November to hear from top brass of the Philadelphia Police Department, District Attorney’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police, as well as from ADL and local religious leaders. The event showed the public that they are not alone in the fight against anti-Semitism in the region, and that numerous groups are working together to keep the Jewish community of Philadelphia safe.
Pope Frances comes to Philly, Blesses New Statue Celebrating Catholic-Jewish Relations
This September, hundreds of thousands gathered in the City of Brotherly Love to hear the inspiring words of Pope Frances. During his visit, the Pope made an unexpected stop at St. Joseph’s University, where he blessed the brand-new statue, “Synagoga and Ecclesia in Our Time.” Commissioned by the university in honor of the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the document that transformed 2,000 years of church teaching on Judaism, the sculpture portrays the renewed relationship between Catholics and Jews. It depicts two women, representing the Synagogue and the Church, sitting together as equals and sharing insights from their holy texts.
Lawmakers Propose PA Fairness Act to End Anti-LGBT Discrimination
In late June, LGBT-rights advocates across the nation celebrated a major victory after the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples had the right to get married. In the wake of this historic ruling, a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania legislators set their sights on eliminating other forms of anti-LGBT discrimination in the state. In August, lawmakers introduced the PA Fairness Act, which would make it illegal to discriminate against a person based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Over 100 PA lawmakers have signed on, and thousands of citizens have signed petitions and sent letters supporting the bill.
WALK Against Hate Brings Together Thousands to Celebrate Diversity
On a beautiful day in May, nearly 2,000 people joined together along Martin Luther King Drive to take strides against bigotry and celebrate diversity. At the Anti-Defamation League’s 5th annual WALK Against Hate, people of different races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, genders, abilities, and more walked together, side by side, to proclaim their commitment to equality for all. Attendees enjoyed multicultural entertainment and visited a Diversity Expo featuring dozens of diverse community organizations from around the region. This inspirational event brought thousands together to celebrate the varied backgrounds and beliefs in the region.
Coalition of Interfaith Organizations Speaks Out Against Bigoted Bus Ads
In March, a District Court ruled that SEPTA public transit could not prevent the display of Islamaphobic advertisements on its busses. In an inspiring show of unity, dozens of faith-based institutions, community groups and civil rights organizations joined together to reject anti-Muslim sentiment and embrace religious diversity. As part of the Dare to Understand campaign, hundreds of people signed a petition, spread the word on social media and attended a rally with Mayor Michael Nutter, all to send a message of respect and acceptance throughout the region.
Area Universities Challenge Hate on Campus
Throughout the year, campuses across the region have stood up admirably in the face of bias. Lincoln University condemned racist graffiti in February, and denounced a professor’s anti-LGBT, misogynist and anti-Semitic comments in July. After a swastika and the word “Jew” was found on the door of a Drexel University dorm room in May, the school spoke out against the incident, and campus Hillel brought in a workshop to teach students to confront anti-Semitism. Other campuses, including Rowan University and Lehigh University, spoke out against bias incidents, and the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University trained law enforcement on combating hate on campus.
New Jersey Legislature Condemns Global Anti-Semitism
Responding to the tragic attacks at a kosher supermarket in Paris in January, the New Jersey State Senate unanimously passed a resolution condemning anti-Semitism. The resolution categorically rejected any justification for anti-Jewish hatred, and said anti-Semitic acts were unacceptable as expressions of political disapproval. The NJ State Senate’s powerful statement positioned the state as a leader in speaking out against anti-Semitism at home and abroad.
Philly Police Commissioner Leads National Task Force on 21st Century Policing
In the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, President Obama appointed Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey to co-chair the Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The Task Force aimed to promote effective crime reduction strategies while building trust between police and the public. Commissioner Ramsey has a long track record of pursuing these goals locally in his seven years as Philly’s Top Cop. Under Ramsey’s tenure, nearly every new Philadelphia Police recruit has participated in the Law Enforcement and Society program, developed by ADL in partnership with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, to learn about the role of police as protectors of the Constitution and of individual rights.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry.