Healthcare workers say working people cannot let ourselves be divided by ignorance, fear and hate, but must unite for a fair economy and progressive American values

"The healthcare workers of 1199SEIU are appalled and outraged by the current surge of anti-semitic threats to, and attacks on, Jewish synagogues, cemeteries and community centers. Together with other attacks on Muslims, Latinos, immigrants, African-Americans and members of the LGBTQ community, we are deeply concerned that a wave of hatred has been unleashed across our country."

"Our union was founded 85 years ago by Jewish pharmacists and drugstore workers. All of us today--400,000 healthcare workers of all faiths and beliefs--stand on the shoulders of these heroic forebears. We condemn acts of hatred and desecration and call upon the Justice Department to investigate and bring to justice their perpetrators. We call on President Trump to clearly, strongly and emphatically denounce all forms of hate. His pronouncements so far have been too little, too late and could be encouraging those with hate in their hearts.

"We are united--Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, believers and non-believers, of all colors and nationalities--and will resist any attempt to divide us as we fight for quality healthcare for all, good jobs, religious freedom, and economic and social justice. It is that unity of diversity that gives our union--and our United States--our greatest strength."

-George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare union in the nation.