01/31/2025
Statement on Hate-Fueled Language Directed at Jewish Community Members at Cuyahoga County Council Meeting
Jewish attendees told they “smell” and to “go die”
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland issued the following statement in response to the hate-fueled language directed at members of the Jewish community by anti-Israel protesters at this week’s Cuyahoga County Council meeting:
“For months, Jewish Clevelanders have attended the Cuyahoga County Council meeting to advocate on behalf of the Jewish community and voice support for continued public investment in Israel in the face of a well-orchestrated, international effort by anti-Israel organizations to weaponize legislative and financial tools in order to harm the Jewish people.
“At this week’s meeting held on January 28, 2025, Jewish attendees were verbally assaulted by these sponsored protesters, including being told they ‘smell’ and to ‘go die’ among other equally vile comments.
“These comments, combined with other acts of intimidation directed at Jewish Clevelanders at County Council meetings and other public meetings over the past year, make clear that these so-called protesters sole agenda is to fan the flames of hatred of Jews in Cleveland.
“The Jewish community has been a proud part of Cleveland’s fabric since the 1800s and we will not allow anyone to make us feel unwelcome in the city we love. Likewise, we will not allow any efforts to silence us or intimidate us from participating in the democratic process at these public meetings.”