New York, NY, June 21, 2015 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said the Charleston shooter’s newly revealed racist manifesto reveals “an individual whose worldview was tainted not only by racism but by hardcore anti-Semitism,” and provides an added reason for the Black and Jewish communities to forge closer bonds in working to counter racism in America.
In addition to giving vent to hatred of African-Americans, Dylann Roof’s alleged manifesto singles out Jews as a minority group that poses a danger because Jewish people are able to blend in and “look white” and are responsible for what he called “agitation of the black race.”
“The problem is that Jews look White, and in many cases are White, yet they see themselves as minorities,” Roof wrote. “Just like n——, most Jews are always thinking about the fact that they are jewish.… If we could somehow turn every jew blue for 24 hours, I think there would be a mass awakening, because people would be able to see plainly what is going on.”
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
If in fact these are the authentic words of Dylann Roof – and there’s little doubt he posted to this site and penned this manifesto – it is clear that he is an individual whose worldview is tainted not only by racism but also by hardcore anti-Semitism and deep-seated loathing of minorities.
Anti-Semitism has long been a calling card of racists in America. Many of the white supremacists whom Roof seemed to revere are steeped in hatred of blacks, Jews and other minorities. In fact, these hatreds nearly always go hand in hand. It is a reminder that in the mind of the bigot, Jews and other minorities in America are equal threats.
The threat of white supremacy should not be underestimated. This hateful ideology is a threat to Blacks, Jews, Hispanics and other minorities and all civil society. Good people of all stripes must stand together to drown out hate speech.
This heinous crime is also a reminder that Jews and African-Americans share common cause against a common threat. It is our hope that Dylann Roof’s hateful deeds will not go unanswered and that the Black and Jewish communities and others will work together in the aftermath of this crime to strategize together on common goals, including the passage of an effective hate crime law in South Carolina and a more civil society in which law enforcement plays a role in protecting all citizens from harm.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY