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.

 

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. 

 

We condemn this activity in the strongest possible way and denounce the perpetrators as cowards and criminals. And we call on our city and state elected officials to enforce existing laws to make sure that all of Nashville’s citizens remain safe. In February of this year, the last time white nationalists marched through our city, the Nashville City Council quickly came together to condemn their actions. Their wording was strong, and we were grateful to see the Council come together in a unanimous vote stating unequivocally that these actions are vile and that hate has no place here. AND, it’s now time to put consequences to the words to make sure this does not continue to happen. Please reach out to your elected officials to let them know that you demand that existing local and state laws are enforced, so that all of Nashville’s citizens can thrive and be safe.

 

This is certainly not the last time that white nationalism will rear its ugly head in our city. We remain alert, resolute, and committed to combating it, and to advocating for a Nashville that is guided by the Jewish precept of “betzelem Elokim” – that all human beings, regardless of their race, gender, religion, country of origin or nationality, contain a Divine spark, and are of infinite worth.

 

Respectfully yours,

 

Dr. Leslie Kirby, President​