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Philadelphia Tribune: Coalition outraged by Muhammad’s antisemitic post| Letter to the Editor

  • August 11, 2020

By Lisa Finkelstein and Blane Stoddart, co-chairs Black-Jewish Alliance of the Anti-Defamation League

On behalf of the Black-Jewish Alliance of the Anti-Defamation League, thank you for your editorial published Aug. 2 (“How Muhammad can make it right”).

We too were outraged by Rodney Muhammad’s recent anti-Semitic post and subsequent failure to issue a meaningful apology. There is no room for hate of any kind in the fight against injustice.

Your editorial was right: There is much work to be done, and the Philadelphia NAACP has a critical role to play in ending systemic racism in our city. Mr. Muhammad’s anti-Semitic act weakens an essential institution at the moment when it is needed most.

We have been inspired that so many leaders from the Black and Jewish communities have come together over the past weeks and months to loudly reject anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of hate. We are grateful that the Philadelphia Tribune has added its powerful voice to that righteous chorus.

We need to honor our differences and to understand our shared experiences. Only together can we realize the vision of the late John Lewis: “We are one people; we are only family. And when we finally accept these truths, then we will be able to fulfill Dr. King’s dream to build a beloved community, a nation, and a world at peace with itself.”

We must come together in as many ways as we can to stand with and for each other.