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Antisemitism

HHREC Honors Westchester Business Leader, Features Pulitzer Prize-Winning Speaker at Annual Fall Benefit

November 2, 2022 by InsidePress

HHREC Benefit Honoree Dennis Mehiel   Photos by Julie Rothschild

November 1st 2022– The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) honored Westchester County Business Executive Dennis Mehiel at their annual Benefit at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York on October 27th.  HHREC Board of Directors Chairperson President Michael Gyory introduced Mehiel, who spoke about the importance of standing up against antisemitism and expressed his gratitude for the work of HHREC in offering programs that teach the lessons learned from the Holocaust. Mr. Mehiel was the first person not of the Jewish faith elected to the Board of Governors of Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work where he served from 1989 until 1996.

Bret Stephens, New York Times Columnist and Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalis, was the HHREC 2023 keynote speaker.

The program also featured a talk and Q&A with Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist, Author, and New York Times columnist Bret Stephens, who appeared as the event Keynote Speaker. Stephen’s talk centered on drawing parallels between 2022 and 1922 and the dangers of overlooking signs of hatred and discrimination, and the possibility that they could reoccur in the U.S. in the years ahead.

HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper recognized Holocaust survivors who were in the audience and introduced a film about the HHREC Educator’s Study Tour of Germany and Poland. She also thanked the audience for their continued support for HHREC programs and announced a new endowment campaign.

“We are so grateful for the support from our growing community, especially those who came out to be with us for this year’s HHREC Benefit.” said Jasper. “ Our staff, board of directors, and education program partners are reenergized as we continue in our efforts to teach the lessons of the Holocaust, and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect.”

Additional Photos by Julie Rothschild

(L-R) Iris Weintraub Lachaud; Michael Gyory, chairperson, HHREC; and State Senator Shelley B. Mayer
Holocaust survivors Agnes Vertes and Nick Friedman
(L-R) Rena Hecht, New York State Assemblyman Chris Burdick, and Bob Piliero
David A. Alpert, Board Member, HHREC, with Honoree Dennis Mehiel
(L-R): Rachel Greenspan, Member, HHREC Board of Directors; Grace Bennett, HHREC Advisory Board; and Lisa Salko, HHREC Speakers Bureau

 

Annie Kleinhaus (Holocaust Survivor) and Millie Jasper, Executive Director, HHREC
Board of Directors, Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center
Steve Goldberg, Co-Director of Education, HHREC (second on left) with Karin Kast-Meinhrad (left) and to his right, Karen Kruis and Julia Collins 
(L-R): Brian Lombardo, Dr. Joyce Brown, former New York State Comptroller Carl McCall, who also addressed attendees of the HHREC benefit, and Kelly Mehiel
Michael Brown, Catherine Borgia, Chairperson, Westchester County Board of Legislators, and Pamela Stern
Andrew R. Benerofe, board member, HHREC, and Rabbi Daniel Gropper, Community Synagogue of Rye

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center is a not-for-profit organization based in White Plains New York that serves Westchester, Fairfield, and neighboring counties. Their Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. We encourage students to speak up and act against all forms of bigotry and prejudice. Their work with students and teachers helps schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, they have brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights crimes to more than 1,500 teachers, and through them to thousands of middle and high school students. Through their volunteer Educators Program Committee, the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center gives teachers the unique opportunity to develop programs for themselves and others. These programs not only enrich teachers’ knowledge about the Holocaust and related issues, but they also provide the lens through which to view all other human rights violations. For more information call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org 

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Annual Fall Benefit, Antisemitism, Bret Stephens, Dennis Mehiel, Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, Testimony of the Human Spirit, Upstander

Reps. Mondaire Jones and Ted Deutch Urge Biden Administration to Protect Safety of Religious Minorities and LGBTQI+ Community in Ukraine

March 18, 2022 by InsidePress

Today, Congressmen Mondaire Jones (D-NY) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) led 70 of their House colleagues in a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken urging them to do everything in their power to protect the rights and safety of Ukrainians who may be particularly vulnerable. Specifically, the lawmakers are calling on the Biden Administration to dedicate sufficient resources and attention to Ukrainian members of marginalized groups that have historically faced violence and persecution under Russian rule and occupation, including Jews and LGBTQI+ people.

“As you know, Ukrainian Jews experienced horrific waves of violence and persecution under Russian and Soviet rule and Nazi German occupation in the 20th century,” the lawmakers wrote. “In recent months, Russia’s aggressive rhetoric raised fears among members of Ukraine’s Jewish community who still have memories of the antisemitic violence of the last century.  On February 23, Vladimir Putin evoked the term “denazification” to explain his invasion of Ukraine–a nation led by a Jewish President–stating that the purpose of Russian military operations is to protect people facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by Ukrainian leadership.  As the Anti-Defamation League points out, Russia has instrumentalized antisemitism to influence domestic and foreign public opinion in its conflict with Ukraine.  This politicization of antisemitism can severely harm Jewish communities. Moreover, the dishonest use of the language of “denazification” as pretext, and the shocking March 1 attack on the Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial, indicate that, in reality, Russia’s invasion poses significant risk to Ukrainian Jews.”

In their letter, the lawmakers ask the Biden Administration to: 

  • Ensure close and continued dialogue with organizations that serve Ukrainian members of marginalized groups, including religious minorities and LGBTQI+ people;
  • Fund and support shelters to serve vulnerable populations that face particular risk at the hands of Russian forces; 
  • Ensure U.S. Embassies in Eastern Europe are equipped to provide immediate assistance to those fleeing the Russian war in Ukraine; and
  • Provide assistance for transgender Ukrainian individuals whose visible gender does not match their documents as they cross checkpoints and international boundaries. 

“Additionally, we have received reports that highlight the extreme risks LGBTQI+ Ukrainians face at the hands of Russian forces,” the lawmakers continued. “As you know, LGBTQI+ people widely face discrimination and persecution in Russia. In Chechnya, reports have documented what has been described as a large-scale ‘anti-gay purge’ by Russian security forces.  When the killings of gay men began in Chechnya in 2017, the Trump Administration was slow to respond and failed to work with organizations that resettle LGBTQI+ people who faced danger. We cannot repeat the previous administration’s mistakes. Russia’s military presence in Ukraine endangers the lives of LGBTQI+ Ukrainians and reverses the progress that country has made toward equality.”

As Representatives for two of the largest Jewish communities in the country, Reps. Jones and Deutch have been strong advocates for the global Jewish community and have been leaders in the fight against antisemitism. Most recently, Rep. Jones co-led a letter, signed by Rep. Deutch, calling on House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro to increase funding for FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program after the horrific antisemitic attack on Congregation Beth Shalom in Colleyville, Texas. Rep. Deutch leads the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, on which Rep. Jones also serves, and sits on the Interparliamentary Task Force on Online Antisemitism.

As the first openly gay, Black member of Congress and Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, Rep. Jones has also fought to affirm LGBTQI+ justice, from voting to pass the Equality Act in the House, including his own bill, the Juror-Nondiscrimination Act, to co-leading the Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth Act. And as a Vice Chair of the Equality Caucus, Chair of the LGBTQ Aging Issues Task Force, and a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rep. Deutch has been a consistent advocate for the LGBTQI+ community and global human rights.

The letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Biden and Secretary Blinken,

We write to express our deep concern for the safety of the Ukrainian people following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. At this critical time, we thank you for your strong leadership in uniting the United States and our allies against Vladimir Putin’s unjust war. As we take action to aid Ukraine in its defense, we ask that you do all you can to protect the rights and safety of Ukrainians who may be particularly vulnerable. Specifically, we urge you to dedicate sufficient resources and attention to Ukrainian members of marginalized groups that have historically faced violence and persecution under Russian rule and occupation. 

The recently adopted U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership confirms the United States’ and Ukraine’s shared dedication to advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as “fighting racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and discrimination, including against Roma and members of the LGBTQI+ communities.”  Now that Russia has launched an unjust war against Ukraine, it is critical to uphold these principles and work with our partners to protect the rights and safety of marginalized Ukrainians. Among the most vulnerable are historically persecuted religious minorities and LGBTQI+ people. 

As you know, Ukrainian Jews experienced horrific waves of violence and persecution under Russian and Soviet rule and Nazi German occupation in the 20th century. In recent months, Russia’s aggressive rhetoric raised fears among members of Ukraine’s Jewish community who still have memories of the antisemitic violence of the last century.  On February 23, Vladimir Putin evoked the term “denazification” to explain his invasion of Ukraine–a nation led by a Jewish President–stating that the purpose of Russian military operations is to protect people facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by Ukrainian leadership.  As the Anti-Defamation League points out, Russia has instrumentalized antisemitism to influence domestic and foreign public opinion in its conflict with Ukraine.  This politicization of antisemitism can severely harm Jewish communities. Moreover, the dishonest use of the language of “denazification” as pretext, and the shocking March 1 attack on the Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial, indicate that, in reality, Russia’s invasion poses significant risk to Ukrainian Jews.

Additionally, we have received reports that highlight the extreme risks LGBTQI+ Ukrainians face at the hands of Russian forces. As you know, LGBTQI+ people widely face discrimination and persecution in Russia. In Chechnya, reports have documented what has been described as a large-scale “anti-gay purge” by Russian security forces.  When the killings of gay men began in Chechnya in 2017, the Trump Administration was slow to respond and failed to work with organizations that resettle LGBTQI+ people who faced danger. We cannot repeat the previous administration’s mistakes. Russia’s military presence in Ukraine endangers the lives of LGBTQI+ Ukrainians and reverses the progress that country has made toward equality.

For these reasons, we urge you to:

  • Ensure close and continued dialogue with organizations that serve Ukrainian members of marginalized groups, including religious minorities and LGBTQI+ people;
  • Fund and support shelters to serve vulnerable populations that face particular risk at the hands of Russian forces; 
  • Ensure U.S. Embassies in Eastern Europe are equipped to provide immediate assistance to those fleeing the Russian war in Ukraine; and
  • Provide assistance for transgender Ukrainian individuals whose visible gender does not match their documents as they cross checkpoints and international boundaries. 

Russian forces have demonstrated a lack of respect for international law and human rights during military operations in recent years. As Russia continues its unjust attack on Ukraine, we urge you to do all you can to protect Ukrainians who are especially at-risk in this conflict.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this urgent matter. 

 

Editor’s Note: This post is info received from the Office of Congressman Mondaire Jones.

Filed Under: International Tagged With: Antisemitism, LGBTQI+, Ukraine

Nearly 800 Attended Community-Wide Program to Learn About Initiatives to Combat Antisemitism and Hate

January 18, 2020 by The Inside Press

(l-r) Mark Weitzman; Audrey Stein, Regional Director, UJA-Federation; Hindy Poupko, Elliot Forchheimer, CEO, Westchester Jewish Council; Westchester DA, Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr.

WHITE PLAINS, NY (January 10, 2019) Nearly 800 members of the Westchester community attended “Anti-Semitism: What We Face and How We Fight It,” a discussion about the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States and abroad, and Westchester’s efforts to combat hatred. The event, presented by UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester, in collaboration with Westchester Jewish Council, took place on Wednesday, January 8, at Temple Israel Center in White Plains.

(l-r) Mark Weitzman; Lisa Roberts, President (Mahopac), Westchester Jewish Council; Hindy Poupko; Arlene Kleinberg (New Rochelle), Cindy Golub (Mamaroneck), Westchester DA, Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr.

Cindy Golub of Mamaroneck, UJA Regional Chair, welcomed the attendees, and Arlene Kleinberg of New Rochelle, UJA Westchester Annual Campaign Chair, introduced the evening’s guest speakers. The program featured three experts who provided insight into the rise of anti-Semitism and what is being done to address the challenge.

Westchester District Attorney, Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. opened the program and shared insights into the work that his office does to create a safer and more secure community. The Westchester Intelligence Center, a unit of the DA’s office, ensures hate crimes are prosecuted appropriately and justice is served. Mark Weitzman, Director of Government Affairs for the Simon Wiesenthal Center provided historical context about anti-Semitism, reminding the audience that anti-Semitism is not new – we are simply seeing the growth of what has always been present.

(l-r) Laurie Girsky (Mamaroneck), Chair, UJA Women; Tris Berger (Scarsdale), Chair, Westchester Women; Arlene Kleinberg (New Rochelle), Cindy Golub (Mamaroneck)

Hindy Poupko, Deputy Chief Planning Officer at UJA-Federation of New York concluded the formal remarks with an overview of the many initiatives that UJA-Federation is undertaking to combat anti-Semitism including making a major investment in security. “We are embarking on a new, multi-million-dollar effort to engage in a wholesale upgrade of our community security infrastructure”, said Poupko. This includes the hiring of former NYPD director of intelligence analysis, Mitchell Silber, as UJA’s new Community Security Director to lead a team of five locally based security directors. In addition, a new position will support the specific security needs of Jewish day and residential camps.

Beyond enhancing security, UJA is strengthening community relations efforts with non-Jewish groups, advocating for critical government support, helping organizations access government security funding and empowering college students with tools to engage in healthy discourse about Israel on campus.

The program concluded with the speakers responding to questions submitted by the audience.

Nearly 800 people attended “Anti-Semitism: What We Face and How We Fight” presented by UJA-Federation of New York in collaboration with Westchester Jewish Council.

 

About UJA-Federation of New York

For more than 100 years, UJA-Federation has brought New Yorkers together to solve some of the most pressing problems facing our community. Through UJA, more than 50,000 donors impact the issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, respond to crises close to home and far away, and shape our Jewish future. Working with a network of hundreds of nonprofits, UJA extends its reach from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching the lives of 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

 

News courtesy of the UJA-Federation of New York

 

Filed Under: Not for Profit News Tagged With: Anthony Scarpino, Antisemitism, fighting antisemitism, initiatives, security, Simon Wiesenthal Center, Temple Israel Center, UJA Federation of New York, Westchester, Westchester Jewish Council

Anti-Semitism and Sports Global Symposium: Sept. 25 at Fordham University

September 18, 2019 by The Inside Press

‘The Realities of Anti-Semitism’ in sports and in society at large, and all its challenges, will be addressed via the viewpoints anticipated by 15 esteemed speakers at a September 25th Global Symposium sponsored by Fordham University’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies in conjuction with Final Whistle on Hate. The summit aims to bring about understanding and change. For a full agenda, list of speakers, and to
purchase tickets: https://www.fordham.edu/info/29262/global_symposium_on_sports_and_society_anti-semitism_and_sports

 

 Click here to go directly to the event page.

TICKETS:
$95 (FULL DAY)
Reduced pricing available for high school
and college students,
Fordham staff, faculty, students: free of charge.

– Registration required 

Filed Under: Not for Profit News Tagged With: Anti-Semitism, Anti-Semitism and Sports, Antisemitism, Final Whistle on Hate, Fordham University, Global Symposium, Summit

NAME IT TO FIGHT IT! IT’S ANTISEMITISM!

September 17, 2019 by The Inside Press

Editor’s Note: A vital bipartisan/nonpartisan gathering (it’s for anyone of any political persuasion!) who wishes to convey their acknowledgment and protest against the spike in antisemitism that we are witnessing from NYC to London. Enough is enough.

IN RESPONSE TO WAVE OF VIOLENT ANTISEMITIC ATTACKS 13 JEWISH ADVOCACY GROUPS FORM COALITION, LAUNCH PROTESTS IN NEW YORK AND LONDON

New York, NY – In response to a string of violent attacks targeting the Jewish Community, Women Fight Antisemitism announces partnership with 12 Jewish Advocacy groups to combat Antisemitism beginning with protests in both New York and London on September 22, 2019

NYC Location: Mayor’s Office at NYC City Hall, 249-243 Broadway NYC 10007 Date/Time: September 22, 2019,12:00PM – 2:00PM (EST)
Event Page: ​https://womenfightantisemitism.org/events
Facebook URL: ​https://facebook.com/events/404143820453764
Directions Link: ​https://goo.gl/maps/G1NgFFx9G6D9H4Js7

UK Location: Golders Green, London, UK
Date/Time: September 22, 2019 5:00PM (UTC)
Facebook URL: ​https://facebook.com/events/369891873901814

The growing Coalition and ​NAME IT TO FIGHT IT! IT’S ANTISEMITISM! are being launched in response to an unprecedented wave of violence perpetrated against the Jewish Community. These are savage and unprovoked brutal attacks targeted at one community and one community only: Jews. The media networks and the mayors of major cities such as New York City and London are entirely responsible for naming and fighting these attacks. When the majority of people in Park Slope, just one neighborhood from Crown Heights, are not informed by the mayor and major news networks that visibly Jewish Americans are getting bricks thrown at them by Antisemites, we must hold the mayors and the major news networks of these cities accountable. This is a major issue. It must be given major attention.

1. WoMen Fight AntiSemitism​ ​is a nonpartisan group welcoming all genders and races to fight for equality and against AntiSemitism ​http://womenfightantisemitism.org
Nissan Jacobs,​ ​info@womenfightantisemitism.org

2. Yad Yamin – New York​ ​is a grassroots Zionist movement that is dedicated to exposing, addressing and confronting anti-Semitic activity in NYC. ​https://facebook.com/Yad-Yamin-New-York Karen Lichtbraun, ​klb910@gmail.com 3. Eye On Antisemitism​ (UK) monitoring anti-Semitism online and social media since 2008 http://eyeonantisemitism.co.uk
Ambrosine Shitrit, eyeonantisemitism@gmail.com

4. Campaign4Truth​ (UK) promotes understanding & context of the Jewish Diaspora, Israel and the Middle East. ​https://facebook.com/pg/campaign4T
Sharon Klaff, campaign4t@gmail.com

5. Combat Anti-Semitism​ is a non-partisan, international, grassroots movement of individuals and organizations, across all religions and creeds, united to combat the global rise of anti-Semitism. ​https://combatantisemitism.org
Emma Enig, emmaenig@gmail.com

6. Americans Against Antisemitism​, established by former New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind, is a grassroots coalition that mobilizes supporters to take social action against antisemites.​ ​https://americansaa.org
Israel Bitton, HikindPR@gmail.com

7. Stop Antisemitism​ is a part of a non-profit foundation that works to hold antisemites accountable and to create consequences for their bigoted actions by exposing the threat that they present to all Americans and showing how their ideologies conflict with American values, morals, and principles. ​https://stopantisemitism.org
Liora Rez, ​Liora@stopantisemitism.org

8. National​ ​Conference of Jewish Affairs​ (NJCA)​, Rabbi Aryeh Spero is author of “PUSH BACK: Reclaiming OurAmerican Judeo-Christian Spirit” and is president of Caucus For America.

9. ZOA​ was f​ounded in 1897, the Zionist Organization of America (“ZOA”) is the oldest pro-Israel organization in the United States. Since its founding in 1897, the Zionist Organization of America has been fighting for the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. Under the leadership of such illustrious presidents as Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, Rabbi Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, and current National President Morton A. Klein, the ZOA has been on the front lines of Jewish activism.
https://zoa.org

Filed Under: Just Between Us Tagged With: Americans Against Antisemitism, Antisemitism, Campaign4Truth, City Hall, Combat Anti-Semitism, Combat Antisemitism, Golders Green, London, Name it to Fight it, New York City, Stop Antisemitism, Women Fight Antisemitism, Yad Yamin, Zionist Organization of America

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