Ashland, Medford city representatives to join local rabbis in marking beginning of Antisemitism Awareness Week
By Bert Etling, Ashland.news
Representatives from the cities of Ashland and Medford are expected to join rabbis from local synagogues on the Ashland Plaza on Sunday afternoon to mark the beginning of Antisemitism Awareness Week, according to a news release issued Thursday by Temple Emek Shalom of Ashland.
The temple is hosting the gathering to honor the mayors and city councils of Medford and Ashland for their stands against antisemitism, the release says, with all persons welcome who wish to join in standing against antisemitism and hatred in the Rogue Valley.
The rally comes at a time when antisemitic activity has increased fourfold, according to the Anti-Defamation League, and three days after adoption of a proclamation denouncing antisemitism was adopted by the Medford City Council on Thursday, Nov. 16. The Medford proclamation designates Nov. 19 to 25 as Antisemitism Awareness Week “to recognize the clear and present danger has presented and continues to present to Jewish individuals and communities nationwide and worldwide, and to further proclaim that we … should strive to overcome intolerance and indifference and antisemitism through learning, remembrance and respect.”
A similar proclamation, issued by the Ashland City Council on Feb. 7, declares that “The City of Ashland strongly stands against hate, bias or violence based on identity and remains committed to the principles of nondiscrimination and human rights.”
The gathering is set for 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, on the Ashland Plaza. Speakers are expected to include Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham, Ashland City Councilor Gina DuQuenne, a representative from the city of Medford, and rabbis from all three synagogues in the Rogue Valley: Julie Benioff of Temple Emek Shalom; David Zaslow, Havurah Shir Hadash; and Avi Zwiebel, Chabad of Southern Oregon.
Source: Temple Emek Shalom news release. Email Ashland.news Executive Editor Bert Etling at betling@ashland.news or call or text him at 541-631-1313.
