A LETTER TO THE PAPER ON ANTISEMITISM VERSUS DEI AND MORE

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To the editor,

It’s a concerning and alarming paradox to me and many others that, as the idea of inclusion and diversity is touted around frequently with much identity politics, we are seeing increasingly violent and deadly attacks on our Jewish residents here in America as well as world-wide. Antisemitism runs very deep and is very prevalent everywhere. I was horrified very recently when a young couple was murdered in cold blood, gunned down in front of the Jewish Museum in D.C. because the terrorist who killed them was deranged over the Israel and Palestine conflict. This couple was about to be engaged, had their entire lives ahead of them and fully supported peace efforts in Palestine. The Capital Jewish Museum in DC was built around the first Synagogue there as a way of showing that the Jewish people are an integral part of America. Very sad when you put that in perspective with the murders that took place.

This past Sunday I read about another horrific terrorist attack in Colorado, targeting Jewish people gathering in remembrance of the victims of the 10/7/23 terrorist attacks. Eight people were severely injured when a terrorist set them on fire with hand made explosives devices; they were burned extremely badly in front of many people. The terrorist was here illegally on an overstayed visa (just like several of the 9/11 hijackers) and was allowed to stay in our country under President Biden, despite having breached the conditions of his visa twice. This proves we are fools because we yet again allowed a terrorist to stay in our country and successfully inflict death and destruction on us.

We can’t champion celebrating diversity and inclusion in America when we are clearly ignoring raging antisemitism and turning a blind eye to terrorism here. The people championing diversity and inclusion need to look in the mirror and see who is being excluded, attacked and harmed on regular basis in the country, if they really want to make a difference. Otherwise their words are merely performative and theatrical. A thin veil of illusion many can easily see through as they fool themselves. Time to unite under one flag, the American flag which stands for everyone.

Thank you,
Jessica Dieckman