'Hate has no place in Rhode Island' theme of news conference

SMITHFIELD – At a news conference packed with state and local officials, the overarching message Thursday afternoon was that antisemitism and hate have no place in Rhode Island.

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center called the gathering to get the message out to the media about the recent antisemitic hazing incident involving the football team at Smithfield High School. They also wanted to stand in solidarity with the affected family and the Jewish community.

Speakers included Rep. Gabe Amo (D-1st), a delegation of state congressional leaders including Rep. Mia Ackerman, a delegation from the Rhode Island State Council of Churches and Smithfield Town Council president John Tassoni.

Tassoni offered his sincere apologies to the Jewish community for the antisemitism at the high school and said, "This is not Smithfield."

"Leadership is needed," he said. "There is no leadership [in the school department]."

Ackerman called the incident a shanda [disgrace]. "These ugly racial and religious slurs will haunt this student for many years to come," she said. "Equally disturbing is the reaction from some members of the community."

The school committee is scheduled to meet Nov. 3 to discuss

Check back for updates and more on this developing story.

FRAN OSTENDORF (fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org) is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.