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Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills
An organization critical of Israel and the Gaza war is stirring controversy over its plan to protest Sunday in front of the Zekelman Holocaust Center on Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills to “end genocide,” and “stop US-Israel war crimes," according to the website, Algemeiner.
The group, Coalition Against Genocide, released a promotional ad drawing parallels between the Israeli war in Gaza and the Holocaust. “Never again for anyone,” the graphic says.
The ad has been circulating in the local Jewish community. The Michigan chapter of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) posted a response on X.
Scapegoating US Jews and the @HolocaustMI by holding them responsible for another nation’s actions is antisemitism — full stop. We are working with the Zekelman Holocaust Museum and local authorities to address safety and community concerns. pic.twitter.com/vn7mVO0zfW
— ADL Michigan (@ADLMichigan) July 8, 2024
Mark Jacobs, a lawyer, community activist and co-director of of the Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity, tells Deadline Detroit:
"I find it pretty grotesque that the protesters would select the Holocaust Center - a solemn and sacred place - to essentially call for the eradication of Israel, which was created as a safe harbor for the Jewish people after the world’s worst genocide. But of course we have seen a steady stream of antisemitic protests, vandalism and violence at various Jewish sites throughout the U.S. and the world since the barbarism of October 7th."
Meanwhile, the Zionist Organization of Michigan is planning a counter-protest in what it describes as a show of support for the hostages, Israel and America.
It's not the first time the museum in Farmington Hills has been used as a backdrop for people protesting the Israeli-Gaza war.
Last December, members of the Jewish Voice for Peace Detroit, stood outside with signs calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and chanting, "Never again, for anyone!"
