As Jewish legislators in New Hampshire, we are appalled by the rise of antisemitism and racism in our state. The following statement was released by our young Democratic colleagues in the legislature and we full heartedly share their sentiments. We want to emphasize the link between the refusal to address hate in the statehouse and the horrific attacks against Rep. Espitia.
Today our caucus became aware of racist statements and threats – made by a hate group with local members – against our colleague Rep. Manny Espitia (D Nashua) and his district. Make no mistake – these threats are threats to us all, and they will NOT be tolerated.
Manny is the former chair of the YDC and the current NHYD president. He has served our state and his community admirably and continues to do so even when faced with racist attacks. For far too long language like this has been pervasive, even by members of our legislature. When New Hampshire leaders are not condemned for hateful rhetoric it emboldens these actors to both continue and escalate these types of hateful acts. While we appreciate the sentiments of the House Speaker, his words ring hollow because there are still no consequences for the State Representatives who have been open and unapologetic of their racist and anti-Semitic views this term. Inaction is complicitness, and complicitness emboldens the most radical and dangerous hate groups within the Granite State. Once again, we insist that the Speaker immediately address these same types of hatred percolating within the legislature.
As Jews, we know far too well the consequences of letting hate go unchecked. We stand in solidarity with our colleague Rep. Espitia and are committed to standing up against hate in all forms.
Signed:
Nicole Klein-Knight (D-Hillsborough 11)
Richard Abel (D-Grafton 13)
Paul Berch (D-Cheshire 1)
Anita Lang Burroughs (D-Carroll 1)
Dru Fox (D-Cheshire 6)
Jeffrey Salloway (D-Strafford 5)
Joe Schapiro (D-Cheshire 16)
Laurel Stavis (D-Grafton 13)
Amanda Toll (D-Cheshire 16)
Lawrence Welkowitz (D-Cheshire 4)