The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum condemns the violent attack on a Palestinian American man in Austin, Texas, which has been classified as a hate crime by the Austin Police Department. A resident of Arlington, Texas, the victim had been in Austin for a Palestinian rally on Sunday when the vehicle he was riding in with others was targeted. The accused attacker stopped their vehicle, hurled racial epithets in an effort to start a fight, and then stabbed the victim after a brief struggle. Thankfully, concerned citizens stopped to lend aid. 

We condemn hatred in all its forms. Sadly, antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents have surged in recent months and thousands of innocent people in America have been targeted, harassed, and physically assaulted because of their religions, cultures, beliefs, and presumed views on an international conflict. This is not the American way. We must be better than this.

We call on our community to find peaceful ways to have civil discourse about current issues and avoid the temptation to demonize those with differing opinions. Violence is never the answer.

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is proud of its mission to teach the history of the Holocaust and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred, and indifference. Our work has never been more important than it is today. To learn more, visit www.dhhrm.org.

– Mary Pat Higgins, President and CEO
– Lee Michaels, Board Chair