Members of religious and ethnic minority groups joined online discussions last week as part of the U.S. Justice Department’s efforts to counter bias-based crimes.
On Tuesday, Justice announced that it had conducted two community safety webinars. Government officials told members of Jewish, Muslim, Arab and Palestinian communities how they were working to disrupt and prosecute hate crimes. They also listened to participants’ thoughts about specific threats.
“We hear you, we share your concerns, and we will continue to work relentlessly, 24/7, to protect and keep members of your communities safe,” said Paul Abbate, the FBI’s deputy director.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said that with the boom in antisemitic hate crimes since Oct. 7, the department “reaffirms our commitment to using every tool available to address discrimination and violence targeting vulnerable communities.”
“No person and no community in this country should have to live in fear of hate-fueled violence or discrimination,” she added.
Justin Lock, component head of the Community Relations Service, said his organization “recognizes that safety for communities is inclusive of both physical safety as well as a sense of belonging within community.”
