September 30, 2020

Minneapolis, MN — Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), issued the following statement:

“The president’s refusal to condemn white supremacism at last night’s debate is troubling and inexcusable.

“Equally alarming is the president’s directive to the Proud Boys, a violent neo-fascist extremist group with ties to white nationalism, to ‘stand back and stand by.’

“We concur with our friends and colleagues at the American Jewish Committee who admonished the president that ‘[b]igots, racists, and antisemites are rejoicing at your refusal to condemn white supremacy. There can be no ambiguity on this issue. White supremacists should not just be told to ‘stand by’ – they need to be renounced completely.’

“The JCRC implores the president to join other elected officials and candidates from both parties in clearly denouncing white supremacism.”

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As the public affairs voice of the Jewish community, the JCRC fights antisemitism and prejudice, advocates for Israel, provides Holocaust education, promotes tolerance and social justice, and builds bridges across the Jewish and broader communities.