The Hudson Community
In late August a small group of masked individuals staged multiple antisemitic demonstrations in downtown Hudson, Ohio, carrying signs with slurs, giving Nazi salutes and waving flags. Their presence drew outrage from residents and condemnation from leaders including State Senator Casey Weinstein, who said “Hate has no home here in our community.”
One week later the focus shifted from confrontation to solidarity. On September 3 more than 250 people filled the Hudson Green for the Peace for All vigil co-hosted by Temple Beth Shalom and the First Congregational Church of Hudson. Faith leaders from Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities stood together in front of the crowd, joined in prayer and music.
“No matter what, as community, we stand as a people supporting and loving one another,” said Pastor Peter Wiley. Rabbi Michael Ross encouraged attendees to find strength in gathering, reminding them that community helps people “return to center” in moments of fear and anger.
For many the vigil captured the true spirit of Hudson. “It allows you to take a deep breath and relax and say that hatred that we saw is not our community,” said Weinstein. “This is our community.”
Vernon Hills Community
After antisemitic graffiti was found at Congregation Or Shalom in Vernon Hills, Illinois, members scrubbed the wall clean and made plans to transform the site of the vandalism into a mural. Letters, notes, and emails of support from across the Jewish community and beyond were sent to the synagogue and now cover the sanctuary walls.
The congregation’s Friday night dinner drew nearly 300 people, including supporters from different faith groups. “We’re all part of one family,” said Pastor Alex Molozaiy of Community Protestant Church.
“That was one person with a spray paint can who’s putting out a message of hate,” Rabbi Ari Margolis said. “[The letters of support represent] so many more voices of hope.”
Concord Community
Over 200 Concord, Massachusetts residents rallied outside Wright’s Tavern to stand up against antisemitism and hate in their community. The rally was organized after Kurt Schwartz, a former public safety official warned that Concord has “an antisemitism problem.”
Schwartz had recently faced vandalism and antisemitic graffiti at his home and pointed to similar incidents in town, including swastikas at the high school, as evidence of a deeper problem. “I don’t understand why somebody hasn’t called for a rally against antisemitism in Concord Center with all of this going on,” he said.
State Rep. Simon Cataldo told the crowd, “I’m not going to pray that God stamps out antisemitism in Concord. I’m going to ask Him to give you the strength to combat it.” In prepared remarks, Rabbi Darby Leigh urged Concord to reject “Jew hatred… loudly, emphatically, and most of all with love.” There were people showing support by chanting and holding signs that said things like “I love my Jewish neighbor,” “never again is right now,” and “Concord means harmony.”
For Kurt Schwartz, the rally was the first time he felt public support after weeks of frustration.
