On June 10, Wednesday Journal published an article about an anti-Jewish hate crime in Oak Park [Police investigate antisemitic vandalism at Home Ave. development, News]. The crime was not surprising. Anti-Jewish hate crimes and violence are increasing worldwide. These are often preceded by increases in hateful language. We experienced it here in Oak Park following the Township referendum meeting in April. Anti-Jewish words lead to anti-Jewish acts.
The June 10 article contained a statement from Village President Vicki Scaman condemning the incident and supporting Jewish residents of Oak Park. I thank her for those words said on behalf of village government.
Anti-Jewish speech and acts are not the fault of Jews. The non-Jewish world needs to step up and raise awareness. At the writing of this letter, with the exception of President Scaman and Trustee Wesley, I found no other leaders of our taxing bodies who did so. Nor did I hear the clergy or lay leadership of the 30 or so non-Jewish religious organizations in Oak Park and River Forest speaking out. Not the Community of Congregations. Not Concordia or Dominican universities. No offers of professional help from Oak Park Township, which is surprising as Township Supervisor Thomas promoted his leadership in a Jewish fraternity when he talked in April (Wednesday Journal, April 30) about the racial attacks he was experiencing.
We also did not hear anything from the people who denounce criticism of anti-Israel speech by saying it conflates anti-Israel and anti-Jewish themes. Here we have clear anti-Jewish hate. Nothing to argue about and everything to speak up about.
Even Wednesday Journal could not bring itself to publish even one sentence condemning an act of hate in our community.
Ignoring what happened on Home Avenue does not make the hate disappear. It will not protect our community from further problems. What can you do? Talk to your Jewish neighbors and friends about how they are feeling. Show them that they are supported. Do you belong to a local religious community? Ask why they remain silent. Same goes for the Township, Library and Park District. And the next time something like this occurs, don’t wait to make your voice heard.
Alan Peres
Oak Park