Jewish Group Leads Anti-Trump Protests Nationwide

Hundreds of Jewish activists, led by Bend the Arc Jewish Action, a Jewish social justice organization, gathered in vigils in cities across the nation as part of a national day of action against presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric.

The Vigil Against Violence is taking place on the 52nd anniversary commemorating the death of two white Jewish activists, Andrew Goodman and Mickey Schwerner, and Black Christian activist James Chaney, who were killed on June 21, 1964 in Mississippi as they worked to register black voters as part of the Civil Rights movement.

In New York City, dozens rallied outside of Trump Tower, holding up signs that read, “Jews reject Trump #“WeveSeenThisBefore.” The group then marched to the Marriott Marquis, where Trump was meeting with evangelical leaders.

“Donald Trump has put forth a terrifying anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant, anti-woman and violent agenda,” said Stosh Cotler, CEO of Bend the Arc Jewish Action. “Jews have seen this before. Many of our relatives fled to the United States to escape violence and discrimination from around the world. Now, we are joining together to fight for a better country in this generation, and to deliver a clear message: Donald Trump will not become president of the United States on our watch.”

Bend the Arc Jewish Action marches down 5th Ave to join interfaith vigil to protest Trump. #weveseenthisbefore pic.twitter.com/liGuFkagLW

— Bend the Arc (@bend_thearc) June 21, 2016

Bend the Arc activists and allies also held vigils in Chicago, Raleigh, Washington DC, San Francisco, Palo Alto, the East Bay, and Los Angeles, according to the Jewish group.

The events are part of a national campaign to stop Donald Trump from being elected as president In the fall, first launched at the group’s first national conference earlier this month in Washington, D.C.