Let's work together to fight hatred in Sarasota | Opinion
Last month, a resident of Sarasota’s Rosemary District contacted the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee with disturbing news: a mural in her neighborhood had been defaced with a swastika and the words "Free Palestine."
The mural, titled "Unity," was more than just decoration, it was a testament to community and connection. It was created through Impact Theater, a partnership between the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish and African American communities.
As part of this initiative, teens from both communities’ interview elders from the other community, then tell their stories through a performance or artwork. The mural was designed by the daughter of a Sarasota Holocaust survivor to symbolize the mutual respect and understanding that Impact Theater promotes.
The resident who reported the incident was shaken by the defacement of the mural. Like so many of us, she is troubled by the alarming rise in antisemitism across the country.
According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), hate crimes against Jews have surged by 200% over the past year. Synagogues have been attacked, Jewish cultural sites vandalized, and online spaces flooded with dangerous conspiracy theories.
When the Jewish Federation learned of the vandalism, the director of our SAFE SRQ Community Security Initiative immediately contacted the Sarasota Police Department. Unsurprisingly, their response was swift. Officers were promptly deployed to canvass the neighborhood, investigate and review public video feeds.
Their actions reflect a deep commitment to protecting Sarasota’s Jewish community.
We are grateful for the strong partnerships we have built with the Sarasota Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in the region. Their unwavering dedication to battling antisemitism – and all forms of hate – fortifies our community.
Equally important is the support we receive from public officials and civic leaders who stand with us to ensure that Sarasota remains a place where all people can live without fear.
Antisemitism – or "Jew hate" – is not just another form of prejudice; it is a uniquely insidious ideology that relies on conspiracy theories to cast Jewish people as untrustworthy or undeserving of success.
Jew hate undermines the American ideals of individualism and meritocracy.
History has shown us that antisemitism is not just a problem for Jewish communities, it is a warning sign of broader societal decay. It erodes the foundations of democracy, tolerance and social cohesion. If we want to stop it, we must work together across all communities and take decisive action.
Education is the key
Ignorance fuels hatred and allows it to spread unchecked.
We must ensure that schools teach about Jewish history, the Holocaust and the contributions of Jewish people to society.
We at the Jewish Federation offer countless training sessions. And starting next fall, we will welcome schools to the innovative, engaging Chaifetz Holocaust Memorial and Education Center. This immersive educational space will inform and engage thousands and show how important understanding the Holocaust is to preserving our own democratic and tolerant society.
Solidarity, legislative action and law enforcement
Solidarity is our strength.
By working with faith leaders, civil rights organizations and community advocates, we can create a united front against hatred in all its forms. We are committed to fostering strong interfaith alliances, engaging in difficult yet necessary conversations, and building upon shared values of freedom and respect for differences.
We commend our local, state and national law enforcement officials, first responders and public officials who work tirelessly to combat hate.
Governments and law enforcement must continue to strengthen policies that hold perpetrators accountable and protect targeted communities. Enhanced security measures at synagogues, Jewish community centers and schools are needed.
Now is the time for action.
By educating ourselves and others, building alliances, demanding accountability and speaking out, we can stem the tide of hate.
The Jewish Federation is committed to this mission, but we cannot do it alone. I urge every member of our community to join us in this fight. Together we can ensure that hate has no place in our community.
If you witness or experience an act of antisemitism, please use the Jewish Federation’s “Report an Incident” form at Jfedsrq.org/safesrq – or call Dr. Liat Alon, our chief learning and engagement officer – at 941-552-6303.
Shepard Englander is the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee in Sarasota.