Lake County Gazette

The City of Highland Park and the Village of Vernon Hills joined 33 other cities and villages across the region to stand United Against Hate, sharing a joint statement with a core shared value: unequivocal condemnation of all acts of hate. This movement follows the recent rise in hateful rhetoric and behavior globally.

In an effort to protect their citizens, the communities have made clear declarations. In the statement, the communities said they were committed to safeguarding their communities, according to the United Against Hate joint statement. They said they want to be inclusive and welcoming spaces for students, residents, and businesses who call the region home, being opposed to hate-motivated hostility that sows division and fear.

As tensions rise globally due to war and violence, local impacts are felt heavily. "Our vigilance has been heightened as the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza, as well as accompanying violence, have impacted many of our residents. This has led to an unsettling surge in inflammatory, antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric and behavior on a global scale," the communities said according to the United Against Hate joint statement. "The heavy burden of grief, anxiety, isolation is one that many community members bear as they and their families confront consequences of terrorism."

United Against Hate | City of Highland Park

Despite no specific threats being reported locally; broader concerns loom over these communities. No specific threats have been reported in any of the 35 communities but they understand residents are concerned about a widespread increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic language imagery or behavior according to United Against Hate joint statement. The protection of public remains a shared responsibility among regional state federal government partners.

Security measures go beyond governmental intervention as community members play crucial roles in maintaining safety. "We rely on the entire community to assist in promoting public safety. It is essential that community members – including residents, business owners, and employees -- report suspicious behaviors threats or other activity to law enforcement by calling 911," the communities said according to the United Against Hate joint statement.

Joining this stance against hate, a multitude of cities and villages have made their solidarity clear. The Cities of Evanston, Highland Park, and Highwood and Villages of Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Carol Stream Deerfield Flossmoor Forest Park Forest View Glencoe Glenview Grayslake Hampshire Hainesville Hazel Crest Hoffman Estates La Grange La Grange Park Lake Bluff Lake in the Hills Lincolnshire Lincolnwood Lindenhurst North Barrington North Riverside Northbrook Northfield Palos Park Richton Park Skokie Vernon Hills Wadsworth Wheeling and Wilmette joined in rejection of hate according to United Against Hate joint statement.