The Seattle Collegian

Photo Credit: Tiffany-Ashton Gatsby

Demonstrators gather in the West Seattle Junction to show support for Jewish neighbors

As the first night of Hanukkah approaches later this evening, West Seattle residents and members of the group Hate-Free Delridge joined together today in a demonstration against Antisemitism, nationalism and hate speech. This demonstration is in response to Antisemitic graffiti on a home in the Sunrise Heights neighborhood earlier this week, first reported by the West Seattle Blog. The word “JEW” was spraypainted in red paint on a garage, and “FUCK JEW THIEVE” on the pavement in the alleyway behind the home. The residents of the home confirmed they are Jewish, but said they had not experienced any problems or threats.

The group Hate-Free Delridge, that organized today’s demonstration, encouraged members of the community to show up with signs supporting their Jewish neighbors. Suggested signs included No to Anti-Semitism – in West Seattle and Everywhere, We Stand with our Jewish Neighbors, Hate Has No Home Here, Resist All Attempts to Divide Us, Jews and Allies Against Anti-Semitism, and Oppose All Targeting of Minorities. People were proudly displaying their signs and marching back and forth at the Walk-All-Ways junction. There was even an impromptu Hava Nagila flash mob. Passersby were encouraged to sign up for a Hate Crime Rapid Response text notification system put in place to mobilize community members in the event of other targeted attacks against minorities, immigrants, and LGBTQ persons.  

We stand with our Jewish neighbors.

Tags: "No to Antisemitism" Demonstration, No to Anti-Semitism – in West Seattle and Everywhere, Tiffany-Ashton Gatsby, West Seattle Demonstration