SARASOTA – “The Holocaust did not start with gas chambers, it started with words,” said Director of Community Relations of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota- Manatee, Jessi Sheslow.
“If we can teach our kids at a young age that hate can turn into such horrible destruction like what we saw during the holocaust then maybe, lives will be changed for the better.”
Jewish community leaders are grateful for the swift action of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, but they urge all of us to look at the bigger picture.
“The detectives, for the Sheriff’s Department, for the FBI for the secure communities network who all really came together in what was a very dark hour for Temple Emanu- El, for Temple Sinai and for the Jewish Community,” said Rabbi Elaine Glickman of the Temple Emanu-El.
Rabbi Elaine Glickman is grateful for the overwhelming support following the desecration.
“To make us feel supported and safe and to know that what this man allegedly did is not what Sarasota is all about,” said Rabbi Elaine Glickman.
The man arrested by SCSO faces felony hate crime charges.
“So the idea that he has been apprehended and that he will hopefully be brought to justice and hopefully will be rehabilitated, it’s immensely comforting,” said Rabbi Elaine Glickman.
Jessie Sheslow is Director of Community Relations at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota- Manatee. She urges everyone to speak up and condemn all hate speech
“Not only when you hear words of hate do you want to speak up, but you want to speak up to support the Jewish community and by the way that goes to other minority and disenfranchised communities as well, this is advice that can span through the communities,” said Sheslow
