Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet

AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904

The GW Hatchet

Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet

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Jewish student organization denounces D.C. lawmaker’s anti-Semitic comments

A Jewish law school student organization on Wednesday condemned a D.C. lawmaker’s anti-Semitic comments about a Jewish banking family controlling the weather.

The Jewish Law Students Association said in a statement that Ward 8 Council member Trayon White Sr.’s comments in a video posted during a brief snow shower last week went against the group’s core values of “tolerance and inclusion.”

White posted a Facebook video in which he warned viewers about “climate manipulation” by a prominent banking family, the Rothchilds, who have been been a target of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, The Washington Post reported.

“Councilmember White’s comments, which include the mention of an antiquated conspiracy about Jews controlling global affairs and climate change, reinforces false stereotypes about Jewish history and culture,” the group wrote in a statement. “Such hatred has no place in our society.”

White apologized for his comments Monday, saying he did not realize his remarks were anti-Semitic. Footage emerged of White making similar comments – including claims that the Rothschilds control the World Bank and federal government – in front of a group of senior D.C. officials, according to The Post. City leaders in the video did not immediately condemn those comments, something the Jewish Law Students Association said it was “deeply troubled” to see.

“We encourage individuals to stay informed on this issue and in the future, stand up to hateful speech in the presence of others,” the group wrote in the statement.

White’s comments were also condemned by prominent Jewish leaders in the city and a host of city officials, including Mayor Muriel Bower.

“It is incumbent on all of us to speak out against hate and bigotry in all forms, and hold those in power accountable for their actions,” the statement read.

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