MHRN’s statement on the conflict in Israel and Gaza

Our hearts are shattered as we watch the violence escalating in Israel and Gaza. We know many people in Montana who are survivors of war, genocide, and forced displacement, and our hearts are with them as they face this needless suffering and loss of human life. The Montana Human Rights Network is watching this situation closely to see how this tragedy will impact our state. 

Our expertise in extremist movements in Montana has taught us that violent, fringe groups often exploit conflict and complex situations to amplify misinformation, promote toxic propaganda, radicalize more followers, and justify dehumanizing actions. As more reports emerge, it is clear that several factions are heavily invested in escalating this conflict instead of creating peace. We denounce these hostile, disruptive forces and the bloodshed they bring. 

MHRN’s concerns about this type of extremist activity were confirmed by the presence of Montana’s White Lives Matter instigators and members of the Northwest Nationalist Network (3N) in Missoula on Saturday, October 23. They attempted to intimidate residents with racist signs and verbal taunts at a local synagogue, the International Refugee Committee office in Missoula, and a rally downtown. Their antisemitic, Islamophobic, anti-immigrant, anti-Indigenous, and anti-LGBTQ+ messages are not welcome in Montana.  

In this chaotic environment, we ask you to offer love and support to those who are in distress and grieving. Choose your media sources very carefully for news, and please spend time listening to those who have first-hand experience or connections with the complexities in the region.