JCRC Statement
October 13, 2020
Washington DC – Executive Director of The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington Ron Halber and JCRC President Ronald A. Paul, MD today issued the following statement:
The JCRC is alarmed that conspirators who this week plotted to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also discussed Virginia Governor Ralph Northam as a potential target. Violence or violent threats targeting elected leaders are abhorrent in a civilized society and threaten the foundation of our democratic system.
The JCRC commends and thanks the FBI and state and local law enforcement for taking seriously and investigating any person or group that seeks to attack leaders, prevent Americans from exercising their fundamental right to vote, or otherwise undermine the integrity or results of our country’s free and fair elections.
We call on our leaders to denounce any and all organizations that espouse violence against our government or fellow Americans. Many of the same groups engaging in militant, anti-government incitement and activity also hold virulently antisemitic, racist and xenophobic views and are a real security threat to minority populations, including ours.