Three Jewish protesters, bearing placards reading “Buchanan Is a Racist”, Disrupted a Manchester, N.H., rally Tuesday, where Patrick Buchanan launched his bid for the presidency.
The three rushed the stage as Buchanan declared himself a candidate for the Republican nomination. One of them yelled to Buchanan, “You’re a fascist!” as he and the others were dragged from the stage by guards.
According to news reports, Buchanan dismissed the interruption is an example of “what we’re fighting against.”
The three protesters, who wore skullcaps identifying themselves as observant Jews, were members of the Coalition for Jewish Concerns-Amcha.
The group, which is led by New York activist Rabbi Avi Weiss, have vowed to pick up on its 1992 effort, when members heckled Buchanan on his campaign trail during his failed bid for the presidency.
According to Judy Balint, Amcha’s national director, the three protesters were dragged down three fights of steps after being removed from the stage. Once outside, Balint said they were beaten, punched and kicked by Buchanan’s guards.
Manchester police launched an investigations into the incident, said spokesman Lt. Phil Alexakos.
“The protesters made allegations that they were assaulted, and Buchanan supporters say they were assaulted,” Alexakos said. “We are investigating then incident.”
Police answered a call that there was fight in progress outside the Manchester Institute of Arts and Sciences, where the rally was held. According to police, there was no one fighting when they arrived.
The protesters, David Kalb, Moshe Maoz and Ronn Torossain, say guards hit and kicked them and ripped their clothes. All three say they have cuts and bruises.
Torossian has filed a complaint against Buchanan, charging the candidate with pushing him on the stage.
“There must be a place for peaceful protest against anti-Semitism and bigotry without the fear of being beaten by paid goons,” Balint said.
Buchanan has come under fire from Jewish leaders for calling Adolf Hitler “a great man” and for referring to Capitol Hill as “Israel’s occupied territory.”
Jewish Republicans here denounced Buchanan while criticizing the protesters’ methods.
“Buchanan’s campaign is particularly troubling,” said Matthew Brooks, executive director of National Jewish Coalition. “Unfortunately, they voiced their opposition to Pat Buchanan in such provocative manner that only gives [Buchanan’s supporters] ammunition.”
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