Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Community Comment: Statement of Harrisburg United on the Recent Surge of Hate Activity 

The Black Lives Mural in Harrisburg was defaced on Sept. 27.

Harrisburg United, an open coalition of Harrisburg region civic, labor, religious and community organizations, is saddened and alarmed to note the recent surge of hate behaviors in our area: the desecration of a synagogue with Nazi symbols; the defacement of Black Lives Matter murals in the city proper by an organized hate group; and coincident vandalism at the Harrisburg LGBTQ Center.

The vitality, resilience and growth of our region depends on the continued respect among its residents of all races, religions and sexual orientation. Our organizations stand firmly in support of the victims of hate behaviors and their threatened communities.

We urge residents of the Harrisburg region to respond personally to hate behaviors:

  • Report hate activity, sexual and ethnic intimidation to your church, community organization, local and state authorities so that perpetrators can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
  • Offer support to the targets of hate behavior and ethnic intimidation in the community and in the workplace.
  • Invest personal time and effort in support of the work of community organizations dedicated to eradicating hate activity in our communities.

The Harrisburg United coalition strongly believes that hate motivated crimes and related actions do not reflect who we are as a region. We are proudly diverse people who care about other people and seek to constantly improve the quality of life in our region for those who live, work, visit, and do business here.

Central PA Building Trades Council
Joe Gusler, President

Christian Churches United
Darrel Reinford, Executive Director

Community Responders Network
Jon Brandow; Aaysha Noor

Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
David Black, President & CEO

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg
Jenn Ross, President & CEO; Rabbi Ron Muroff

Keystone Business Alliance
Harry Young, Executive Director

Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC)
Gloria Merrick, Executive Director

Leadership Harrisburg Area
Una Martone, President & CEO

Martin Luther King Leadership Development Institute
Joseph Robinson, President

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