Miami Beach commissioner: If you stand for hate, you do not stand with us | Opinion
Last weekend, videos circulated widely online showing individuals at Miami Beach nightclub Vendôme appearing to celebrate Adolf Hitler, with the song “Heil Hitler” playing and members of their group doing Nazi salutes and chants. Let’s be clear: This was not edgy. It was not just trolling. It is not acceptable for social media clout. It is disgusting, despicable behavior in every sense imaginable, plain and simple.
As a city commissioner elected to represent one of the most vibrant, diverse and high-profile cities on Earth, including a large Jewish population, I will call out hate in every form. The horrible atrocities committed against the Jewish people on Oct. 7, 2023, served as a harsh and grim reminder of the hate and evil that still exist in our world. Antisemitism and hatred seem to be seeping more and more into mainstream society.
As leaders in our community, it is imperative we draw a hard line against hate in every form it may come in — whether it be racism, targeting of our LGBT community or, in this instance, antisemitism.
Some things in politics are difficult and nuanced. Standing up for communities targeted with hatred will never be that — it is simply about being a decent human being.
Miami Beach is not a testing ground for extremists chasing attention. It is a real community with real people, shared values and a moral compass. That means our city will respond decisively, our venues must act responsibly and our community must remain united. Miami Beach stands for decency, inclusion and respect. If you seek to spread hate here, you are in the wrong place.
I will always uphold and honor the right to free speech; it is the cornerstone of our country. And just as some may exercise their right to free speech as disgusting as it may be, I will always exercise mine in condemning it. Also, free speech is not protected from accountability, especially social and civic accountability.
Antisemitism is not abstract. History shows us how casually hatred can be normalized, how mockery becomes ideology and how silence becomes complicity. We have seen this before, and we know where it leads.
Never again means never again. Hate is hate, regardless of where it comes from. When Jewish communities, LGBTQ residents or any targeted group hears these messages, the harm is real. And I will always stand up for our residents impacted by such cowardly acts.
What happens in Miami Beach does not stay in Miami Beach. We are a global city, a cultural crossroads and a place the world watches as we lead by example, whether for our arts and culture, world-class events, our diversity or our leadership. The standards we set here send a message far beyond our borders about what is acceptable and what is not.
Moments like this demand more than condemnation. They demand leadership. City government, venue operators and community members all have a role to play in upholding the values that define Miami Beach. We must be consistent, clear and united in rejecting hate wherever it appears.
This is how we protect our community, honor our history and ensure that Miami Beach remains a place where people are celebrated for who they are, not targeted for it.
Miami Beach’s message is clear: If you stand for hate, you do not stand with us.
Joseph Magazine is a Miami Beach city commissioner.