LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Elon Musk, head of President Donald Trump's administration Department of Government Efficiency, made a virtual appearance Saturday at a campaign event for Germany’s far-right political party, where he said "children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents," in reference to Germany's Nazi history.
Some Jewish leaders in Kentucky expressed concern these actions will hit home.
What You Need To Know
- Members of Kentucky's Jewish community are expressing concern about rising antisemitism
- This comes after Elon Musk's recent straight arm gesture at President Donald Trump's inauguration rally and appearance at a far-right German campaign event
- A University of Louisville professor said these actions can affect people of all backgrounds, not just the Jewish community
- He added it's crucial to stay informed and show support for others
“The experience of being a professor, you are looking out at students who are numbed, shellshocked and frightened," said Ranen Omer-Sherman, University of Louisville Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence Endowed Chair in Judaic Studies.
He said caring for others is important to him and the Jewish community.
"We are traditionally drawn and concerned for the vulnerable in society," Omer-Sherman said. "That is just a part of our value system."
He moved to Louisville a decade ago and used to take his son to the school across the street from Kentucky Refugee Ministries.
“I take incredible pride that we are so welcoming to immigrants, that one hears so many languages in this town, that people are able to try to achieve the American dream," he said.
However, Omer-Sherman said he is now concerned this could change after recent actions by national leaders, including Musk's recent gesture at Trump's inauguration rally, his appearance at far-right German campaign events and the recent increase in arrests by immigration and customs enforcement.
This could affect people from all backgrounds, not just the Jewish community, he said.
"A good friend of mine and my wife’s is an Afghan refugee who is pursuing her graduate degree at the university," Omer-Sherman said. "She’s coming from Afghanistan, a place where women are not allowed to study and not really allowed to have a life outside of the home.
"I fear that America will strangely, perversely end up looking like the place she fled than the place she hoped to have a new life in.""I fear that America will strangely, perversely end up looking like the place she fled than the place she hoped to have a new life in."
He said now is the time to stay informed and show support.
"We have to follow those developments, and we have to reach out to individuals who are most affected by those," Omer-Sherman said. "We have to be here for one another."