Hate group books Raleigh Convention Center for Passover celebration

A group of black separatists with ties to a nationally known hate group is expected to gather this weekend at the Raleigh Convention Center.

The Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge or the ISUPK plans to have about 500 people for its annual Passover celebration on Saturday.

The group is part of the Radical Hebrew Israelites, which the Southern Poverty Law Center identifies as a hate group for its “antisemitic, anti-white, anti-LGBTQ, xenophobic and misogynistic” views — and chapters that “perpetuate the anti-Semitic belief that “so-called” Jews have stolen their identity and “birthright.”

The group’s leader, Commanding General Yahanna, responded to the Southern Poverty Law Center designation.

“They call us a hate group because we turn around and say the white man is the devil for the things that he's done. The word devil just means adversary,” Yahanna said.

The ISUPK often gathers near Raleigh’s Moore Square.

“You cannot be free without your oppressor being destroyed,” Yahanna said in an Instagram video taken from downtown Raleigh.

In a separate YouTube video, Yahanna is seen touring the Raleigh Convention Center.

“Convention Center. Taking it to the next level. Worldwide,” Yahanna said.

Rabbi Eric Solomon with Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh is disturbed about the city-owned Convention Center renting space to the ISUPK.

“If this was, God forbid, the KKK or other hate groups that are more widely known, I can’t imagine this would be allowed to happen,” Solomon said.

The city said a third party rented the space.

“We received an inquiry from an entity entitled TGF Soulutions Inc. regarding hosting a Passover Observance dinner for families at the convention center,” the city wrote in a statement. “We were not aware of any relationship between this entity and the referenced group and the event was handled in the same manner as all other bookings.

“After reviewing the contract and resolving all event details, a contract for use of the convention center ballroom was executed. Our expectation is that the group will adhere to all contract terms.”

Solomon explains what he’d like to see city leaders do.

“It appears there is some loophole here that needs to be looked at more closely,” Solomon said.

Solomon says he respects people’s First Amendment rights but feels the city should not make space for hate.

“This not what we need in our city,” Solomon said.

Solomon said he thinks the city should have vetted the process more thoroughly.

“I am deeply troubled and concerned,” Solomon said. “It really is deeply upsetting.”