Today we are at a crossroads. We can choose a path that spreads hatred and stokes irrational fears, or we can choose to stand up for one another and our common humanity.

In recent weeks we have seen a surge in unabashed prejudice and hate-speech against Muslims.  The board and staff of the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida are alarmed by these trends including the executive ban on refugees from war-torn nations and the wholesale condemnation of an entire religion.

In the spring of 1920, Henry Ford had his personally-owned newspaper, The Dearborn Independent, chronicle what he considered the “Jewish menace.”  Every week for 91 issues, the paper serialized a collection of stories that portrayed Jews as “monolithic, malicious schemers plotting to control the planet.”  Newspaper headlines claimed that Jews were carrying out “revolutionary programs to break up the present control of society” and exposed the “Jewish plan to control the world.” The most popular and aggressive stories were then chosen to be reprinted into four volumes called The International Jew.

In 2017 simply replace the word “Jew” with “Muslim” in any of Ford’s writings and the rhetoric is the same.

This is a non-partisan issue.  Our mission, the mission that you have supported, articulated when we were founded by Tess Wise, a Holocaust Survivor, is to use the history and lessons of the Holocaust to create a more just community free of all forms of prejudice and bigotry, where all people feel safe and respected and where diversity is celebrated.

Please support that mission again.  STANDUP AND SPEAK OUT against the executive ban. Call our Florida senators and urge them to oppose the ban and stand for human rights.

Bill Nelson: DC 202-224-5274 Orlando 407-872-7161

email: https://www.billnelson.senate.gov/contact-bill

Marco Rubio: DC 202-224-3041 Orlando 407-254-2573

email: http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact

Sign the petition at www.change.org to register your support for Congress to override the ban.  Make your voice be heard.

Today we are at a crossroads. What path will you choose?