Like so many  Americans, we were shocked and dismayed  by the mob violence at the US Capitol this week. We condemn this appalling crime and those responsible, many representing far-right groups. What happened was the result of extremist rhetoric and incitement by President Trump and other political leaders, their discrediting of the democratic process, and the inevitable degeneration into violence. As a Holocaust education organization, we are well aware of the danger of demagoguery, conspiracy theories and hate speech.

Our mission is to teach social justice and human rights through the lens of the Holocaust and, by doing so, recognize the threats and dangers to cherished democratic values and institutions, to respect and appreciate all minorities. Education is critical to this process. So, too, is the need for political leaders to act responsibly to unite, not divide, our people