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'Stand Against Hate' rally Thursday at Independence Hall

A "Stand Against Hate" rally born of out of the recent vandalism at a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia will take place at noon Thursday on Independence Mall.

Gov. Wolf is slated to attend the event, which was organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

"I am proud to stand in solidarity with Jewish, Muslim, Christian and all faith leaders whom have united against the recent rash of hate in our communities and country," Wolf said in a statement about the rally. "The silver-lining in all of this that we have seen the best of Pennsylvania in response to these disgraceful acts – people of different background coming together to support each other and stand united against discrimination, hate and intimidation."

At the rally, which is open the public, citizens will "stand together to restore a sense of security and peace to our community," according to a news release from the Jewish Federation.

The rally is in response to the desecration of roughly 100 gravestones that were toppled at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Wissinoming.

According to a Facebook page for the event, numerous religious leaders, politicians, and Jewish leaders are slated to attend. People will share stories about Mount Carmel Cemetery and there will also be a performance from the Mainline Unity Choir, which is made up of members from Congregation Beth Am Israel, Mainline Reform Temple, and Zion Baptist Church of Ardmore.

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects is up to $50,000.