Emhoff: The ‘Hate epidemic’ exists in the US and cannot be normalized

Doug Emhoffvice president’s husband Kamala Harrissays the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States shows that there is a “spread of hate” in the country that cannot be normalized.

Emhoff Jewwas leading a White House debate on the issue on Wednesday with Jewish leaders representing Reform, Conservative and Orthodox denominations. They also discuss efforts to combat hate.

In a statement pre-released by the White House, the second gentleman said, “Our country is currently facing an epidemic of hate.” “Let me be clear, words matter. people I’m yelling instead of yelling the quiet part. ”

He says such attitudes should not be accepted.

“This cannot be normalized. We all owe it to them to condemn these despicable acts,” says Emhoff. There is only one. No two sides. Everyone should be against this. ”

The roundtable, which also includes various White House officials, follows a surge in anti-Semitic violence spread by celebrities, including famous rappers and other celebrities.

Former President Donald Trump recently invited Holocaust-denier white supremacist Nick Fuentes to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. Rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, expressed his love for Adolf Hitler in his interview. Basketball star Kyrie Irving appeared to promote an anti-Semitic movie on social media as neo-Nazi troll says his new CEO Elon Musk will give ‘pardon’ to suspended account , urges you to return to Twitter.

As the first Jewish president, vice president, and consort, Emhoff has become increasingly outspoken about the growing prejudice and hatred of Jewish adherents in the United States. He says what is happening is “painful”.

“For me, this is not the end. This is just the beginning of this conversation,” Emhoff said in a prepared remark.

He says he’s thinking about Ellis Island, his relatives, and “the promise of America.”

“A boy from Brooklyn whose family fled persecution could be sitting here today as America’s first second gentleman in the White House,” Emhoff said.

The White House said that roundtable participants included the Unity Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Agdas, the Presidential Conference of Major Jewish Organizations, the American Jewish Commission, the Orthodox Coalition, Jews on Campus, Jews It said it would include the Women’s National Council, Hillel, Safe Community Networks and religious groups. Action Center, Anti-Defamation League, Integrity First for America, American Friends of Lubavitch, and more.

Among the White House officials participating are Senior Advisor Susan Rice and Keisha Lance Bottoms, as well as Deborah Lipstadt, a special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism.