A recent alleged hate crime in Ohio, where a man burned books on Jewish, African American, and LGBTQ+ history from a public library, sparked outrage and condemnation from a group of faith leaders. Rev Ryan Wallace of Fairmount Presbyterian emphasized the need to speak out against such acts and not become complacent. The Interfaith Group Against Hate, an informal coalition in Ohio, gathered to denounce the book burning and has been actively combating far-right and white supremacist attacks since its establishment in 2023.

The incident, captured in videos circulated on social media, prompted local authorities to launch an investigation. Ohio Democratic state senator Kent Smith condemned the act, calling it un-American and emphasizing the rejection of hate, censorship, and intimidation. The perpetrator’s affiliation with a white supremacist group, White Lives Matter, further underscores the concerning rise of extremist activities in Ohio.

The Interfaith Group Against Hate aims to support the affected community by donating 1,000 books on marginalized histories to the library system. This incident is part of a broader pattern of hate-fueled actions in Ohio, including desecration of Jewish tombstones and racist incidents, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity and advocacy for marginalized communities. The group’s proactive stance against hate reflects a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and just society in the face of rising extremism.