Hate group demonstrations in Nashville trigger calls for action

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) – The streets of Nashville, considered one of the birthplaces of the civil rights movement, have recently been defaced by hate symbols and Nazi salutes.

For several days, neo-Nazi groups have been roaming the city, carrying hate symbols such as the swastika and spreading fear among the population. The impact of these hate-filled demonstrations is deeply felt by residents, especially in the Jewish community.

Rabbi Daniel Horwitz, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, was at the forefront of condemning these actions.

“There are people marching around who carry so much hate inside of them and are spewing that hate toward your community, and not just toward our community, but certainly against our community,” Horwitz said.

For days, Horwitz has been issuing statements condemning the actions and rhetoric of these hate groups. On Tuesday, he addressed the City Council and called on the city administration to take stronger measures to stop the demonstrations. These groups not only protested on Broadway, but also attacked a local synagogue and the City Council and littered the streets with hate propaganda.

“It doesn’t surprise me that we see such images today,” Horwitz said. “Both of my grandmothers survived the Holocaust, so I can only imagine what it’s like for them. One is still alive in her mid-90s. And the other, who has since passed away, would turn around for joy if she knew that her 40-year-old grandson was still fighting the Nazis.”

Horwitz told council members that these groups are violating the law. According to city ordinance, any group of 20 or more people gathering on public sidewalks without notice is violating the law. In addition, wearing masks on public property is also prohibited.

“My job was to make them understand that we actually have the resources to deal with these people, but that those resources are not being used properly right now,” Horwitz said.

In response to the hate marches, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville will be holding a solidarity event this Sunday to demonstrate that there is no place for hate in Nashville. The goal of the event is to show solidarity and support for all community members affected by these recent outbursts of intolerance.

Further details to follow.

She is over 80 and almost blind. Woman from Franklin continues to crochet for those in need

“Here’s a great story that proves that everyone has something to give, regardless of age OR personal challenges. Our Austin Pollack introduces us to Ms. Sylvia Mooney. At 80 years old, she is not sitting still. Instead, she is using her skills to create compassion for others… one stitch at a time. Her crochet work goes to nonprofits to help our homeless neighbors. You might be surprised to know that she manages to do all of this while battling a serious health issue. Bravo Sylvia!”

-Rhori Johnston