For Immediate Release
October 11, 2023

In response to growing concerns about bigotry, disinformation, and hate crimes related to the situation in Israel and Gaza, Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), issued the following statement: 

“Let’s be abundantly clear: antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of bigotry and extremism have no place here—period.

Yet there are those already exploiting the situation in Israel and Gaza to spread hate.

We urge all levels of government and law enforcement to swiftly make clear that there will be consequences for those who target Jews, Muslims, Arab Americans, and any other community. And we call on our political leaders to reject those who exploit bigotry and disinformation for political gain.

This hate and extremism strike at the core of our values, our democracy, and our fundamental rights—and we all have an obligation to speak out and stand up against it, no matter how one feels about the situation in the Middle East.

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About JCPA

The mission of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is to strengthen and leverage the Jewish community relations network across the nation to champion a just, democratic, and pluralistic society and advance the right of full inclusion of all members of our society, including Jews, free of discrimination, hate, and prejudice.


Inspired by Jewish values of human dignity and equal justice under the law and an abiding commitment to vibrant and secure Jewish communities here, in Israel, and throughout the world, JCPA convenes and catalyzes its network to work with public officials, build deep relations, and engage in advocacy coalitions based on shared goals.