They rallied for tolerance despite the rain

On Nov. 30, several dozen members of the Jewish community gathered at the corner of Sessions Street and Elmgrove Avenue to participate in a National Day of Jewish Resistance, sponsored by the organization IfNotNow.

Standing in the pouring rain outside the offices of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, the group of predominately young people listened to speakers including R.I. State Rep. Aaron Regenberg talk about the need for demonstrating against hate. The group lined up, umbrellas in hand, in a show of “drawing the line” against hate.

The trigger for the demonstrations was the announcement of appointments by President-elect Donald Trump, including Steve Bannon as a senior adviser.

“We gathered to demonstrate that Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, racism, transphobia, misogyny and other forms of discrimination have no place in the White House – or anywhere,” said Lex Rofes, an organizer of the event. “We are energized by the strong turnout at the event and by the important sentiments voiced by our speakers.”

According to Rofes, there were more than 30 events at different venues around the country. Despite its location, the Providence event had no connection to the Alliance.

“Those who gathered at this event plan to continue our work to resist hatred in all its forms over the coming months and years, through our shared Jewish lens, whenever such resistance proves necessary,” Rofes said.

FRAN OSTENDORF is the editor of The Jewish Voice.