IFA Statement on Swastika at Sanders Rally

Integrity First for America Executive Director Amy Spitalnick released the following statement:

“Last night, a rally for a Jewish presidential candidate was terrorized by a neo-Nazi carrying a swastika flag and shouting ‘Heil Hitler.’

It doesn’t matter who someone supports for president or their party affiliation. This — like so many recent acts of hate — is a sickening attempt to terrorize not just the Jewish community, but all Americans who share the values of equality, justice, and democracy.

To be clear, this is part of a much larger rise in anti-Semitism and white nationalism. We saw the very same tactics in Charlottesville, where neo-Nazis wore swastikas, surrounded the local synagogue, and chanted ‘Seig Heil’ — before ultimately killing Heather Heyer and injuring many others, including our 10 plaintiffs.

We’re taking on the leaders of the neo-Nazi and white supremacist movement in court, with trial scheduled this fall. And we hope that everyone, regardless of political affiliation, can acknowledge this latest incident as part of a much larger crisis of extremism — and make clear it has no place here.”

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Integrity First for America (IFA) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to holding those accountable who threaten longstanding principles of our democracy—including our country's commitment to civil rights and equal justice. IFA is backing the landmark federal lawsuit against the two dozen neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and hate groups responsible for the August 2017 violence in Charlottesville. Trial is scheduled for October 2020. To learn more about the case, click here.