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Like so many Americans and
others around the world, we [link removed]
were horrified by yesterday's
assault on American democracy.
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Dear John,
Like so many Americans and others around the world, we were horrified
by the assault on American democracy that took place yesterday at the
United States Capitol. You can find our official statement below. We
also wanted to share our tweets sent in real-time in response to
yesterday's events (here, here, here, and here), as well as a short
prayer for our nation, composed by AJC Director of Interreligious and
Intergroup Relations Rabbi Noam E. Marans.
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Shabbat Shalom,
Avi Mayer
AJC Managing Director of Global Communications
American Jewish Committee Statement on "Act of Sedition" by Washington
Insurrectionists
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The assault January 6 on the U.S. Capitol by loyalists inspired and
incited by President Trump was not a political protest. It was an act
of sedition by individuals, some armed with military-style weapons,
who believed and had cause to believe that they were carrying out the
instructions of the nation's highest office holder, and dozens
of other elected officials, to "stop the steal."
AJC was appalled and deeply saddened by the events of January 6, which
brought bloodshed, mayhem, and dishonor to the temple of American
democracy. Those who committed crimes must be held accountable as
must those who encouraged and hoped to benefit from them.
As America reflects on this shameful episode, AJC urges recognition of
the following truths:
* There is no "steal." The votes have been legally
cast, counted, recounted, ruled valid by state and federal
courts, upheld on appeal, adopted by the Electoral College, and
certified by Congress. Exhaustive investigation has found no
evidence of widespread fraud, as the nation's senior law
enforcement authorities have affirmed. The election wasn't
stolen. It was lost by the incumbent.
* President Trump did not, as he asserted on video during the
Capitol siege, win the 2020 election by a
"landslide," nor does "the other side"
know this. The other side and the fact-based world as a whole
know that the President lost to former Vice President Biden by
more than 7 million votes, and by an Electoral College margin of
306 to 232.
* The United States is a nation of laws, governed under a
Constitution that has been the North Star for democratic
movements around the world for more than two centuries. A
bedrock principle of that Constitution and an emblem of the
democracy it ensures is the peaceful transfer of power after the
people have spoken. An incumbent who loses an election may exit
gracefully, as most have done, or disgracefully, the option
chosen by President Trump; either way, the laws and the American
people call the tune, not the outgoing office-holder.
* This pandemic-ravaged, economically strained, politically
polarized nation is in need of, and ready for, balanced,
compassionate, competent leadership to heal wounds suffered and
revealed not just on January 6 but long in the making. Weaned
from a diet of division and hate, it will rally to calls for
unity.
* The American beacon of democracy will and must continue to
shine, giving hope to those who strive for freedom in desperate
corners of the world and posing an unrelenting challenge to
tyrants. The events of January 6 are a reminder of the perils
facing our own democracy but they are equally a reminder of our
obligation to overcome those perils not only for our sake but
for the sake of all humanity.
AJC, a nonpartisan organization, looks forward to working with the
incoming Biden administration and with members of both parties on
Capitol Hill and in offices across America as we always have and
always will to assure the protection, rights, and well-being of our
community and of all peoples, and to defend the American democratic
ideal.
AJC logo
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AJC's mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish
people and Israel,
and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United
States and around the world.
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