A rally to fight against antisemitism gathered Sunday morning at Peabody Square, where concerned citizens held signs proclaiming “Standing together against antisemitism”.
Organized by Councillor-At-Large Anne Manning-Martin, the event was joined by former Ward 5 Councilor Joel Saslaw, School Committee Member Jarrod Hochman, former School Committee Member David McGeney, and Ward 4 Councillor Julie Daigle.
The rallies’ signs were donated by Barry Sinewitz, the owner of Thriftco Printing and a longtime city councillor, a testament to the support of Peabody locals for this event.
“We had a great response from the drivers. A lot of people stopped, chatted with us, and jumped out to grab a sign,” Manning-Martin said. “A lot of enthusiastic talking of the horns and thumbs up. What was really great about it, it was really an organic gathering of neighbors, supporting neighbors that are going through a difficult time.”
She spoke to the importance of responding with compassion and making it known that their neighbors have their back and are standing up to antisemitism when that hate is being spread towards those in the community.
Importantly, many of the passersby who voiced their support for the rally came from outside of Peabody, indicating that their message resonated past the city’s borders.
“I know a lot of people that stopped, but a lot of people that I didn’t know that joined us from other communities said it was something that they really needed,” Manning-Martin said. “That was really special to hear, and that is why we were there.”
Another facet that made this event special for the residents was the organic nature of the rally that didn’t have much online notice, but instead grew from people who shared the same ideals of standing against antisemitism joining in to stand by their Jewish neighbors.
“We have historically taken the lead on this and we will continue to do so. It is a welcoming community and we’re all one city,” Manning-Martin said. “We hope that this grows and moves on to not only our community but other communities as well.”
