Western States Center Statement on Capital Jewish Museum Attack in Washington, D.C.

Portland, Ore. — Today, Western States Center Executive Director Amy Herzfeld-Copple issued the following statement:   

“We're closely monitoring the deadly act of political violence outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. last night that tragically ended the lives of a young couple as they left a Jewish American Heritage Month reception at the museum.  

Targeting a Jewish institution and its patrons on the basis of their perceived national, ethnic, or religious identity is antisemitic. Furthermore, it is never okay to exploit the suffering of Palestinians to justify murder. These actions fuel more hate, bigotry, and the erosion of democracy.   

 In a time when rising antisemitism and political violence are being used by bad faith actors to further erase American civil rights, undermine democracy, and endanger targeted communities, we need principled solidarity coalitions that name and reject antisemitism and the role it plays in isolating and marginalizing the Jewish community while fracturing progressive movements that protect democracy.  

We mourn for the victims and their families and call for accountability for officials who embolden political violence and those who use dehumanizing rhetoric to advance political goals.”