FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2021 

CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171

Rabbi Jack Moline: Bad Faith Attacks on Kristen Clarke “both racist and anti-Semitic”

WASHINGTON — In response to bad faith attacks on Kristen Clarke’s reputation as a champion of civil and human rights, Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:

Kristen Clarke, President-elect Biden’s nominee for assistant attorney general for civil rights, has acknowledged and shown remorse for her involvement in endorsing an anti-Semitic speaker as an undergraduate in 1994. Since then, she has been an increasingly respected champion of civil and human rights during her decades as an attorney. 

The notion that poor judgment as a young person is a permanent blemish on an adult is a common accusation. In my experience, it is most often hurled by people unable to pass the same test themselves. When the accusation includes weaponizing the very real concerns of people of conscience, it surpasses hypocrisy and enters the realm of cynical exploitation. But when it is deployed for purely political purposes to drive a wedge between historical allies, it is bigotry.

The attempt to sow distrust between an outspoken Black woman and the Jewish community is both racist and anti-Semitic. And the claim that mistakes are ineradicable – especially after contrition – flies in the face of the teachings of the faith traditions and moral philosophies alike. They should be rejected.

If you are interested in speaking further with Rabbi Moline, please contact Manisha Sunil at (202) 417-0171 or msunil@westendstrategy.com.


Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.