September 13, 2022 – Statement from Danvers Town Leaders
To the Danvers Community
On Saturday, September 10 at around 7pm, ten masked individuals gathered on the Rail Trail bridge over Route 114 and held a large banner displaying a false, destructive, and divisive anti-Semitic message linked to 9/11. These individuals appear to be associated with the same hate group which has recently spread disgraceful propaganda in Danvers and surrounding communities.
We want to be clear that we reject this hateful, anti-Semitic and discriminatory behavior. Not only does this incident spread hate, but it perpetuates misinformation regarding 9/11. Groups like this also try to deny and obscure the brutal truth surrounding the atrocities committed against Jewish people, other marginalized groups, and their supporters during the Holocaust.
We would like to reaffirm that we condemn all anti-Semitic behavior in our community. We stand in solidarity with our Jewish members of the community, and all of those impacted by this attempt to spread hate and cause harm. We acknowledge the recent history of anti-Semitic incidents in Danvers and remain committed to raising awareness of Jewish history, preventing harm, and creating an environment in which all cultures and faiths are supported and celebrated.
Now, more than ever, we call on the community to reject toxic and deceitful messaging spread by these groups, to uplift one another, and to elevate the voices of those who have been harmed. We invite those who practice allyship to continue their education on America’s history as it relates to the Holocaust in the new PBS documentary “The U.S. and the Holocaust” premiering September 18 at 8/7c.
We will not let acts of hate such as this defeat us. We are in the early stages of planning an upcoming community event focused on processing, reflection, and healing.
Respectfully,
Daniel C. Bennett, Chair of the Select Board
Dr. Dutrochet Djoko, Chair of the Committee for Human Rights and Inclusion
Jasmine A. Ramón, Director of Equity and Inclusion
Jamie Lovell, Police Chief
Steve Bartha, Town Manager
