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Crowd gathers to reject antisemitism Perimeter area By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com
leaders oppose homeowner bill
“We are ready
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — On to do what is Sunday people of various faiths required of us.” gathered at Temple EmanuEl to discuss ways to combat The Rev. DAVID LOWER antisemitism after anti-Jewish St. Luke’s Presbyterian flyers were distributed across Church in Dunwoody the community in early February. The event, titled “Georgia’s Fight Against Antisemitism,” consisted of small lectures from elected officials and religious leaders followed by a community discussion led by representatives from the Anti-Defamation League. Senior Rabbi Spike Anderson spoke to a crowd of more than 100 about the importance of uniting against hatred. Also present was Anderson’s friend and fellow faith leader the Rev. David Lower of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody. Lower spoke on the importance of interfaith relationships and showing up for the Jewish community.
By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com
See COMMUNITY, Page 10
PHOTOS BY LUKE GARDNER/APPEN MEDIA
Anti-Defamation League presenter Eric Ross leads a community discussion about the dangers of antisemitism.
Georgia State House Rep. Esther Panitch (D-Sandy Springs), the state’s lone Jewish legislator, discusses Georgia House Bill 30, which provides clearer definition of hate speech.
ATLANTA — Legislation introduced last week aimed at improving the affordability of Georgia homes has quickly drawn fierce opposition from officials in several Metro Atlanta cities. House Bill 517, called the Georgia Homeowner Opportunity Act, was introduced by state Rep. Dale Washburn (R-Macon) Feb. 21 and would prevent local governments from regulating many different building design elements, from the style of porches to the number and types of rooms. Supporters say HB 517, along with another bill barring local governments from placing moratoriums on new housing construction, would lower housing costs by cutting red tape and encouraging private sector innovation. However, officials in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and many other municipalities are skeptical of these claims, citing the “slippery slope” effect it could have. “This legislation undercuts one of the core functions of all local governments to plan for the growth and development of their community, and it undermines the ability of local
See HOUSING, Page 9