March 13, 2025 – Story and photos by Joshua Ross
After several occurrences of antisemitic and racist words and drawings appeared in both the boys and girls bathrooms the past week at Hingham High School, members of the Jewish Student Union, People of Color and Allies, and HHS Metco students organized a Unity Rally to show their support of their fellow students and denounce harmful and hateful speech at school. Team captains and the leadership of other HHS clubs and organization helped spread the word about the event.
A few hundreds students, teachers, and staff showed up wearing red and hold up handmade signs along Union Street at 7:30 this morning.
“It was an overwhelming success,” said junior Ethan Warhaftig, founder and president of the Jewish Student Union. “I think administration releasing statements is one thing, but a student-led, grassroots effort sends an entirely different message. The event showed that we are one, extremely unified community, and hopefully sent a message to whomever has been responsible for the various acts of the hate that the student body does not stand for it.”
Cantor Steven Weiss of Congregation Sha’aray Shalom in Hingham, attended the event in support of the young leaders of his congregation. Cantor Weiss quotes philosopher and statesman Edmund Burke in saying “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people (men) to do nothing”. It’s important that we all take a stand.
“I am so proud of the student leaders at Hingham High School for organizing this mornings silent rally against hate,” Weiss goes onto say. “They stood together to declare that hate will not win out over love and understanding. It was an honor to stand with them!”
He also applauding the school leadership for “their support of our students during this difficult time.”
Statements from principal Dr. John Buckey, the Hingham School Committee, and other town organizations can be found here, and here.
EVENT PHOTOS
