SEATTLE (Press Release) — StandWithUs on Tuesday strongly condemned numerous antisemitic social media posts made by Dave Reilly, a candidate for school board in Post Falls School District, Idaho. The Israel education organization also condemned the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee’s (KCRCC) endorsement of Reilly, and refusal to acknowledge his hateful comments.
Reilly has recently made numerous dangerous claims on social media. This includes posting an article about the rate of antisemitic attitudes in America, with the comment, “Good news! Let’s get those numbers up!” He posted that, “Jews pretend to be white when it’s expedient for them. Everyone else of European heritage is left footing the bill, and taking the blame for their bad behavior.” He reacted to an Iranian attack against U.S. troops by writing, “They should have bombed Israel.”
According to StandWithUs, these statements typify the dangerous, age-old approach of scapegoating the Jews and blatantly encourage others to adopt anti-Jewish bigotry and even engage in outright violence. The organization stated that it is unthinkable that someone harboring these hateful views would hold any position of government authority, as he would hardly be expected to treat Jewish constituents as equal members of the District community. Yet, the KCRCC not only endorsed Reilly for school board, but defended him. They have failed to condemn his antisemitic statements and he has not apologized for them. He has deleted his tweets, however, indicating that he is aware of the problem.
Randy Kessler, Executive Director of StandWithUs Northwest, said, “This candidate has an undeniable record of promoting hate. Defending him sends the message that his bigotry is acceptable. As a non-partisan organization that fights antisemitism, we urge the KCRCC and Idaho Republican Party to condemn his comments and educate their members about why his bigotry against Jews is wrong.” StandWithUs added that it will continue exposing and combating antisemitism across the political spectrum.
*
Preceding provided by StandWithUs