StandWithUs is discouraged to hear of recent antisemitism in San Diego. An individual who wore a mask with a swastika on the front was seen in several stores. This occurred shortly after media reports of an incident involving a man wearing a KKK hood as facial covering in a San Diego grocery store. These longtime symbols of hatred and bigotry are unnecessarily hurtful and divisive at a time when communities most need to come together to support one another. Even when not intended to convey a message of hate, these symbols can easily be misinterpreted that way because of their historical associations with groups openly hostile toward minorities, including Jews.
StandWithUs applauds San Diego law enforcement, concerned citizens and local store employees who recognized the harmful nature of these symbols and acted quickly to address these situations and bring them to public light. We urge others to strive for mutual respect and understanding, and to seek ways to come together, especially during this difficult time, rather than taking action that may alienate or cause division.
About StandWithUs
StandWithUs (SWU) is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organization that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism.
Through university fellowships, high school internships, middle school curricula, conferences, materials, social media, educational films and missions to Israel, StandWithUs supports people around the world who want to educate their schools and communities about Israel.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization has programs on five continents with chapters, offices and programs throughout the U.S., in Israel, the UK, Canada and Brazil.
For the last 7 years, SWU has consistently received the highest possible ratings from Charity Navigator (4 stars) and Guidestar (Platinum).
