Hate Strikes at the Heart of Kindness
The Friendship Circle of Las Vegas is known for its warmth, inclusion, and tireless work supporting people with disabilities and special needs. But this week, its Executive Director opened a letter that sent a chill through the entire Jewish community. The message was clear and hateful: “TO ALL ZIONIST JEWS. Stay out of our valley. We will destroy your synagogues. Hamas lives on. You all burn in hell.”
This was not just an attack on an organization; it was an attack on every Jewish family in Las Vegas, on the spirit of Zionism, and the very ideals of compassion and acceptance that the Friendship Circle embodies.
Jewish Resilience and Zionist Pride
For Jewish Las Vegans, the threat is a painful reminder that antisemitism is not a relic of the past. It is a present danger, fueled by ignorance and hatred, and emboldened by global events. The invocation of “Hamas lives on” is especially chilling, coming so soon after the horrors of October 7 and amid rising antisemitic rhetoric worldwide.
But the Jewish response is as old as our people: we do not cower. We do not hide. We stand together, proud of our heritage, unbreakable in our solidarity with Israel, the world’s only Jewish state and the eternal homeland of the Jewish people. Zionism is not just a political movement; it is the affirmation of Jewish dignity, safety, and the right to live freely, whether in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Las Vegas.
An Attack on All That Is Good
The Friendship Circle does not just serve Jews; it serves the entire community, helping children and adults with disabilities find friendship, joy, and belonging. To threaten such an organization is to attack the very heart of what makes America great: kindness, inclusion, and the courage to care for the vulnerable.
Local law enforcement has been notified, and Jewish organizations across Nevada are working with authorities to ensure the safety of synagogues and community centers. But the real response is happening in living rooms, classrooms, and sanctuaries across the city, as families reaffirm their commitment to Jewish life and to one another.
Standing Up-Together
Now is the time for allies, Jewish and non-Jewish, pro-Israel and pro-justice, to speak out. Hate cannot be allowed to fester in silence. The Jewish community calls on neighbors, elected officials, and all people of conscience to condemn this threat and to stand up for the values that unite us.
The Friendship Circle will not close its doors. The synagogues of Las Vegas will not be intimidated. The Jewish people will continue to thrive, to build, and to support Israel with pride and love.