St. Louis, MO, March 3…The Anti-Defamation League applauds former US Senator John Danforth, who in delivering the eulogy today at the funeral of Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich condemned in the strongest terms the anti-Semitism expressed in the apparent “whispering campaign” about Schweich’s Jewish family heritage.  Karen Aroesty, ADL regional director, was present at the service.  “I was personally overwhelmed by the authority of Mr. Danforth’s words, his staunch approach to getting at the heart of Mr. Schweich’s concerns, and his capacity to bring a powerful and politically diverse audience to a solemn and stark awareness of the hurt that Tom was feeling.” 

            “At a time when we watch issues of global anti-Semitism, and increased incidents of anti-Semitism in our region, including the shooting last year at the Greater Kansas City JCC by a white supremacist who wanted ‘to kill Jews” before he died, we know that what harms community members the most are those quiet conversations that with a wink and a nod, place Jews as ‘the other’.  With much pride in his Jewish heritage, Tom Schweich was feeling the prejudice that being the other can bring, and it affected him deeply.”  

            “Mr. Danforth’s words went right to the heart of that prejudice, and challenged Missouri politicians to stop the personal attacks and bias-creating sentiment that is an unfortunate hallmark of the political process. It is not the first time that Mr. Danforth has stood as an ally of the Jewish people. We thank him for his friendship and echo his call for civility in the public arena”. 

 

 

The Anti-Defamation League is the world’s leading organization fighting hate, bias and bigotry.  We Imagine A World Without Hate™. Follow us on Facebook, at www.heartland.adl.org
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