Aurora's message on international day of mourning: Hate has no home here

When it comes to anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the state's second-largest city, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin has a direct and simple message: Hate Has No Home Here.

That was the consistent message as Mayor Irvin hosted leaders of Aurora's Jewish and Muslim communities during the Nov. 7 city council meeting on what is being called an "international day of mourning."

Nov. 7 marks the first month of the Israel-Hamas war that has led to the death of thousands of innocent victims and the increase in threats and hate crimes against Jews and Muslims throughout the U.S. and across the world.

Rabbi Edward Friedman of Aurora's Temple B'nai Israel and Imam Dr. Syed Warsi joined Mayor Irvin to share their desires for unity and peace - globally and locally - and to give a dual invocation for the community.

Mayor Irvin expressed his dedication to providing safe and secure places of worship and increased opportunities for understanding and dialogue between Aurora's faith communities.

"Our city's budget was also a moral document that reflects our priorities," said Mayor Irvin. "With that, we will realign dollars to better support the Aurora InterFaith Alliance."

The Aurora InterFaith Alliance is the mayor's initiative to provide a regular platform for Aurora's faith to come together in unity and to help move Aurora forward as one unified community.