Jewish group rallies against Islamophobia, hate speech

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A local Jewish group is using their holiday this season to support others.

The group 'Jewish Voice for Peace' gathered in downtown Syracuse today to celebrate Hanukkah, but to also rally against Islamophobia and racism.

They say they will "not be silent" about anti-Muslim and racist hate speech.

The group is holding nine signs, which are symbolic of the menorah.

"As Jews, we remember the holocaust and what happened when this country closed its doors to Jews who were escaping Hitler and fascism, and so we refuse to let that happen again, and we refuse to have that piece of history repeat itself; in which people, who are fleeing oppression, are denied entry into our county," said Mara Sapon-Shevin.

The event was on of 12 that took place at cities around the country.