Hispanic Federation Statement on the Hannukah Stabbings in Monsey, NY
December 30, 2019 (New York, NY) — Hispanic Federation President Frankie Miranda has issued the following statement regarding the stabbing on Saturday of multiple people at a Hanukkah celebration in Monsey, NY.
"The onslaught of recent hate attacks against our Jewish brothers and sisters is utterly heartbreaking. Even during this time of sacred celebration, the Jewish community has had to endure the unthinkable: a sense of loss of their right to worship and engage in family and social life without fear. As the permission to violently discriminate has exploded on the national scene over the past three years, we must speak out and stand up against every action that denigrates our basic notions of humanity — that threatens public health and safety, community and family viability. To those who are living in fear, or feeling compelled to worship in hidden spaces —we see you, we honor you and we won’t rest until your sense of safety to participate in public life is restored.
As Latinos, we know what it’s like when you are discriminated against and treated with suspicion and contempt, even in your own home. Your suffering is our suffering. We stand in solidarity with you today and every day against the forces of hatred and violence.”
In the Jewish faith, Hanukkah marks the celebration of the miracle of light. The violent act of horrific hate that occurred this weekend — as well as the violent actions that are growing in frequency against people of color, LGBTQ communities, Muslims and other marginalized communities — mark a very dark time in our nation’s history. We must not allow this recent act of hatred, nor the violence perpetuated against any community to dim our collective light. We must renew our commitment to entering this new decade collectively working towards a future where all faiths and all people can practice and live without fear. Hispanic Federation will continue to work with diverse leaders and institutions all across our nation to do everything we can to stem this cycle of bias, hate and violence. The importance of jointly engaging in such work has never been more illuminated than it is today.”
