The City unequivocally condemns anti-Semitism and all acts of hate, and stands in solidarity with our Jewish community. Today we observe Yom HaShoah, a solemn remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust and an opportunity to honor survivors. Acts such as this are particularly offensive on a day that is especially meaningful to many in our community for whom the Holocaust is living, personal history. May we always honor the legacy of Holocaust victims and survivors by speaking out against anti-Semitism to create a safer future for our children.
Hate has no home in Highland Park.
Message from Mayor Rotering
This morning several residents reported the littering of east Highland Park with repugnant anti-Semitic hate speech, on Yom Ha’Shoah (Day of Holocaust Remembrance) of all days. This activity is a continuation of an ongoing effort to stoke hatred and mistrust throughout Illinois and the nation.
The City of Highland Park Police Department has been notified and will continue to work closely with area police departments, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the continued safety of our community.
We as a City stand by our Statement Against Hate, and strongly condemn all acts of antisemitism.
As Elie Wiesel famously noted in his 1986 Nobel Prize acceptance speech “Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” We will not be silent. This is hate.
Though just 2% of Americans are Jewish, the FBI has reported that 58% of all religiously motivated hate crimes have targeted Jews.
Hate has no place in our country, state, or city, and will not be tolerated. If you see something, do not hesitate to report it.