The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville is outraged that once again our city has been defiled by cowardly white nationalists. Today, a white nationalist group marched through our city streets, over our bridges, and on state property around our capitol with their faces covered and carrying white nationalist paraphernalia in addition to American flags. Groups such as these spew vile and dangerous rhetoric attacking anyone they define as other, and must be called out and held accountable for propagating hate.

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We are in constant contact with local law enforcement, and are actively advocating for the perpetrators to be held accountable. We are also grateful to the elected officials who have quickly acted to condemn this disgusting and illegal demonstration, as well as to friends and neighbors who repeatedly show up to support us and stand in solidarity with us.

This is NOT a free speech issue. Groups are permitted to assemble and protest – even if their messages are abhorrent. That is a fundamental right all American citizens have. However, such protests must be done in a lawful way. The white nationalist hate groups demonstrating here have broken multiple local laws. For example, they assembled without obtaining the required permits, and they also covered their faces on city sidewalks to prevent being identified.

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