SDARJ comdemns anti-Semitic remarks

The following letter ws sent to Sussex Couty legislators, with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.

I am writing to you on behalf of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, to condemn the anti-Semitic remarks made by Nelly Jordan, vice chair of the Sussex County Republican Committee.  As you may know, SDARJ is a nonpartisan organization, and, as such, we do not write this condemnation against a party, but against those leaders within any party who should be responsible for upholding and promoting the values of our federal and state Constitutions. 

It is incumbent upon all major political parties to assure and to communicate to their members that truths based on knowledge, not inflammatory rhetoric based on subjective racist and anti-Semitic rants, guides the mission and work of the party.  Any leader who does not share this value should be removed from a position of leadership.

We are dismayed that Ms. Jordan is still in her position of influence.  We are angry that there was no immediate apology from the local Sussex County Republican Committee, but instead there has been only a weak explanation regarding the difficulty in removing Ms. Jordan from her position because she was elected, not by the general membership, but by the small executive committee of this local group.  These unconscionable delaying tactics are unacceptable.

Ms. Jordan abused her position of power by disregarding her sworn responsibility to respect the humanity of all of her constituents.

Instead she chose to verbalize her own distrust, disrespect  and dismissal of others’ patriotic integrity. She also verbalized her belief that Jews are liars, just as many assume that African-Americans are criminals. Such unwarranted anti-Semitism and racism is deplorable, especially when voiced publicly by a political leader.  

Her actual lack of knowledge about Jewish people, their religious beliefs and their political integrity, makes us curious about her leadership potential during this period of increased anti-Semitic incidents.  It concerns us that she felt confident enough and perhaps supported by others to make such dangerous and ignorant remarks. I would imagine that you as state leaders are concerned about the effect if this kind of anti-Semitic bigotry on all of your constituents, but especially those who identify as Jews.  If not, you should be. 

Ms. Jordan’s further abuse of the First Amendment, which was enacted to encourage citizen participation in our democratic system of government, should not be used indiscriminately to spread hate, misinformation, violence and ultimately the destruction of those principles that have informed our great republic. Such misuse should be condemned for the danger it poses to others, and the perpetrator should be removed from any leadership position.

The SDARJ appreciates Sen. Lopez’s immediate condemnation of Ms. Jordan’s anti-Semitic and dangerous remarks.  We look forward to further proactive and positive initiatives to resolve the issues of bigotry within your party. Failing to do so can only lead to increased moral and patriotic decline, and stagnation in the party and for those who depend on it for leadership. 

We assume that your collective wisdom and capabilities as state and county leaders can deal quickly and appropriately with the hateful  rantings of one minor leader. 

Regardless of our various party affiliations, members of the SDARJ look to all party leaders for courageous and righteous responses which give us hope toward realizing our vision: To Eliminate Racism and its Corrosive Consequences.

Charlotte King
chair, Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice