ITHACA,N.Y.(WENY)-- Following a series of recent anti-Semitic and racist vandalism throughout Ithaca, religious leaders throughout the city have come together to stop the hate. 

The Hate Has No Home Here campaign was launched here in Ithaca with the collaboration of twenty-two faith leaders. These leaders put together a video quoting various icons throughout history with the intention of letting those affected by these hate crimes know they are not alone. 

For Rabbi Rachel Safman of Temple Beth-El in downtown Ithaca, these hate crimes hit very close to home and the sentiment expressed by the community helped her to understand she has friends that care for her. 

“It meant so much to me, as a member of Ithaca’s Jewish community, which was targeted in the recent acts, to have my colleagues across faith traditions come together quickly and emphatically to condemn this act of hate and to stand with us as we would stand with them if, God-forbid the need should arise at a future date,” said Safman. 

Dr. David A. Kaden, the Senior Minister of First Congregational Church of Ithaca expressed the importance of being there for your neighbors in a time like this. 

“Collaborating with faith leaders from many traditions including my own is one way for all of us to live into unity, be gracious with each other, live peaceably, and demonstrate love for one another, our community, and the world,” said Kaden. 

With elections right around the corner and the pandemic still ragging on, emotions are high and Eric Clay, founder of Shared Journey’s believes this is a time where we should reach out and care for each other no matter what your beliefs or ethnicity may be. 

“In my work, I am willing to stand next to anyone who is being attacked and that would be even the perpetrator of the hate action because my commitment is to be alongside anyone as a human being,” said Clay. “ I don't have to agree with them, I don't have to support what they did but I will be with them as a human being and I think ultimately that is the commitment of, it may not be that extreme or expressed that extremely but that is at the heart of the commitment of everybody who is involved in this.” 

If you are experiencing thoughts of depression or thoughts of suicide you should reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and if you are just looking for someone to talk to Clay encourages community members to reach out to him as well.