Rev. William Owens says recent attacks echo violence of civil rights era
FULSHEAR, Texas – May 25, 2021 – The recent surge in antisemitic violence is a disturbing trend that demands the attention of every major religious and political leader, according to the Coalition of African American Pastors.
The recent fighting in the Middle East has coincided with a rise in antisemitic attacks in the United States, with incidents of violence and hate being investigated across the country. The problem has also spread to social media, where the Anti-Defamation League reports tracking more than 17,000 tweets expressing some variation of the sentiment “Hitler was right,” during just one week in May.
The Coalition of African American Pastors, having condemned these acts, has called on the country’s major religious and political leaders to join them in decrying the rise in antisemitism and calling for peace and healing.
“There is no excuse for these expressions of hate,” stated Rev. William Owens, President and Founder of CAAP. “We live in a country that respects differences in faith and political belief. There is no place in our system for those who carry out – or encourage – acts of violence and hate against others.”
“The recent surge of antisemitic attacks reminds me of my time marching in the Civil Rights Movement, when Blacks were often targeted and lynched because of their race. It is disgusting to see someone attacked because of his or her race, creed, or background,” continued Rev. Owens.
“CAAP condemns these antisemitic attacks in the strongest terms. What’s more, we call on President Biden, Vice-President Harris, governors, members of Congress, and religious leaders from around the country: Please join us in condemning antisemitism and any attempt to foment hatred and division in our country based on race, creed, or ethnicity. As children of God, we are called on to treat everyone with love, compassion, and understanding. Let us remember that and promote healing, not hate,” concluded Rev. Owens.
