U.S. Rep. John Conyers Wednesday condemned the anti-Semitic comments Minister Louis Farrakhan made at a Detroit church last week, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Conyers, a Detroit Democrat, and other local black leaders, including City Council Member JoAnn Watson, were there when Farrakhan delivered the speech that included the phrases "Satanic Jews" and “Synagogue of Satan." He also said President Barack Obama “surrounded himself with Satan . . . members of the Jewish community.
The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish rights group, chastised black leaders who were present for not coming forward and condemning the anti-Semitic comments.
On Wednesday, Conyers issued a statement, according to Niraj Warikoo of the Free Press.
“Farrakhan made unacceptable racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic statements, which I condemn in the strongest possible terms," Conyers said. "It was my expectation that Minister Farrakhan’s speech would focus on the many challenges facing the city of Detroit. In previous days, he had discussed efforts to revitalize our city by purchasing property and investing in blighted neighborhoods.
"Regrettably, he used this opportunity to promote views that have no place in civilized discourse.”
