The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley condemns in the strongest terms Saturday's violence in Charlottesville. We mourn the death of Heather Heyer, an innocent counter-protester, and two state policemen, and send condolences to their families. We pray for the well-being of so many others hurt in the melee. There should be no doubt that these acts of domestic terrorism were the work of white supremacists, neo-Nazis and anti-Semites whose views and actions are anathema to American values.
 
At the same time, we are proud to live in a community where such despicable behavior is not tolerated. Just yesterday, hundreds of members of all faiths, sexual orientations and political affiliations came together in downtown Allentown to speak against these horrific displays of anti-Semitism, hate, bigotry, violence and xenophobia and committed themselves to fight against hate. We thank the volunteers who put together such a wonderful event.