The Center for Jewish History Releases a Statement on Intolerance

The Center for Jewish History has released the following statement on intolerance:

"The Center for Jewish History preserves and offers access to the original evidence of a thousand years of Jewish experience. Long the targets of intolerance and bigotry, the Jewish people are especially sensitive to prejudice directed against others. We oppose it without qualification.

"Hate crimes are on the rise - targeting Jews, Muslims, African-Americans, Hispanics, and other minority groups. Our history reminds us of the dangers of racism and bigotry. When the Jews faced annihilation in Europe, we remember that the campaign mounted against us began with hateful words. We must unequivocally protest acts of violence or discrimination motivated by ethnicity, religion, or sexual identity.

"We call upon our fellow Americans to defend the rights of all citizens. Likewise, we call on those in public office to reject all forms of racism, discrimination, and hate speech.

"The Center for Jewish History insists upon those most genuine of American and Jewish values: religious freedom, human equality, and inviolable human rights. Doing so will promote both justice and security in this country and overseas. Doing otherwise is an odious rejection of our collective past, and our own most profound commitments as both Americans and as Jews.

"Signed,

"Joel J. Levy, President and CEO of the Center for Jewish History, and the Center for Jewish History's Board of Directors"

The Center for Jewish History in New York City illuminates history, culture, and heritage. The Center provides a collaborative home for five partner organizations: American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.

The partners' archives comprise the world's largest and most comprehensive archive of the modern Jewish experience outside of Israel. The collections span a thousand years, with more than five miles of archival documents (in dozens of languages and alphabet systems), more than 500,000 volumes, as well as thousands of artworks, textiles, ritual objects, recordings, films and photographs.