by Dennis Augustine
Yesterday morning I was startled to see my own name — Augustine — in a news headline about an antisemitic attack in San Jose. For a moment, it stopped me cold.
I soon realized it referred to Augustine Restaurant at Santana Row in San Jose, a place Cecile and I visit often and have always found vibrant, welcoming, and diverse.
Still, the incident is deeply troubling. Two Israeli Americans, Lior Zeevi and Daniel Levy, were reportedly attacked by three men after being heard speaking Hebrew.
Interestingly, as we were leaving port in Miami for our cruise, I read a Facebook post from our friend Rabbi Mendel Weinfeld about the shocking event.
As an interfaith couple, Cecile and I feel this deeply. Antisemitism — or hatred toward any people — has no place in our communities or our country.
Many voices in entertainment have spoken out against rising antisemitism, including Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, David Schwimmer, and Steven Spielberg.
Silence allows hatred to grow. Speaking out helps communities stand strong together.
May we always have the courage to stand up for our neighbors and against hate.
