Alachua County Faith Leaders Alliance speaks out against rising Islamophobia and antisemitism

March 21, 2026

Press release from Alachua County Faith Leaders Alliance

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – The Alachua County Faith Leaders Alliance (ACFLA), representing diverse religious traditions across our community, is speaking out with urgency and unity in response to a troubling rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism following the recent conflict involving Iran and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

As faith leaders, we are deeply concerned about the increase in hateful rhetoric, harassment, and threats directed toward both Muslim and Jewish communities, here in our nation and within our own local context.

We affirm clearly and unequivocally: there is no justification for hate, violence, or discrimination against any people based on their faith, ethnicity, or identity.

Interfaith organizations across the United States have documented similar trends, noting that global conflicts often lead to increased hostility toward Muslim and Jewish communities at home. We refuse to allow fear, misinformation, or political tensions abroad to divide neighbors here in Alachua County.

Instead, we stand together:

With our Muslim neighbors, who are facing increased Islamophobia, suspicion, and scapegoating
With our Jewish neighbors, who continue to experience antisemitism and threats to their safety
With all who are targeted by hate in any form

Our traditions teach us that every human being is created with dignity and worthy of respect. In this moment, we recommit ourselves to those shared values.

We call on our community to:

Reject all forms of hate speech, discrimination, and violence
Speak out when witnessing acts of Islamophobia or antisemitism
Build relationships across lines of difference
Support and protect houses of worship and community institutions
Choose compassion over division, and understanding over fear

We also urge local leaders, schools, and institutions to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety and inclusion of all residents.

At a time when global conflict threatens to fracture communities, we believe our shared humanity must guide us. As people of faith, we are committed not only to condemning hate, but to building a community rooted in justice, compassion, and peace.

Together, we say: hate has no home in Alachua County.

Signed

Pastor Beth Snarr and Dr. Harold Henderson and First United Methodist Church Gainesville
Rev Catherine Dearlove and Trinity Metropolitan Community Church of Gainesville
Rev. Dr. César Moya and Emmanuel Mennonite Church
Rabbi David Kaiman and B’nai Israel
Rev Dr Donna Schaper and The United Church of Gainesville
Jen Ambrose, Clerk and Gainesville Quaker Meeting
Rev Joe Smith
Rev Larry Green and Grace Presbyterian Church
Lauren Poe, President/CEO, Greater Gainesville International Center and former mayor.
Rev. Lindsey Beukelman and University Lutheran Church
Rev. Marisa Gertz and Trinity United Methodist Church
Rev. Rebecca Putman and Westminster Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Ruth Ragovin, Disciples of Christ
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Gainesville, Inc.