Jewish Family Services of Western New York firmly rejects comments made by the mayor of the Village of Williamsville and two village trustees during their Village Board Meeting on Monday, May 9, 2022, in which they drew comparisons between the Covid-19 rules designed to protect and the Holocaust.

The comparisons demonstrate absolute disregard for the 11 million individuals murdered because of the Holocaust as well as an extreme disrespect for the remaining survivors. Western New York is home to 49 survivors for whom we provide support.

We echo our partner Jewish organizations in calling for more civil discourse in our public spaces. We must remember and respect our history and be mindful of harmful and inaccurate comparisons – rejecting them loudly and without pause.