NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — As antisemitism continues to grow across the nation, Virginia leaders, including the governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, gathered Monday in Norfolk to stand against hate at the two-day Virginia Summit to Combat Antisemitism.
The event was organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement, a global organization focused largely on relations between the U.S. and Israel.
“The U.S. is the largest Jewish community in the world, and we believe in the impact of the United States across the world, so if the U.S. deals with antisemitism properly, then we can have a global response,” said Combat Antisemitism Movement CEO Sacha Roytman.
The two-day event consisted of speakers from the state and local level.
“We as Christians often say it’s time to turn the other cheek,” said Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer. “My friends, this is not the time for Israel to turn a cheek. It’s a time to be decisive and conquer evil.”
Discussions centered on college campuses, addressing concerns about free speech versus hate speech.
A panel assembled aimed at educating about discrimination and transformation. A former neo-Nazi and a former Islamist recounted personal stories and what led them to renounce violence, all with the goal of ending antisemitism.
“If we don’t condemn it we condone it,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said.
The summit also celebrated the partnership between the U.S. Armed Forces and Israeli Defense Forces, including local sailors, who Roytman praised for their commitment to defending democracy.
“As the Jewish people,” Roytman said, “I really think that we see the U.S. as a beacon of hope.”