No Hate in Lakewood: what happens next?
Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 7:25 pm
So anyway, we held the "No Hate in Lakewood" solidarity rally this afternoon. It was well-attended, and well-covered by media (here's one example, TV stations were there also). So I'm just going to share a few impressions and comments.
First, this was primarily a positive, uplifting event. That was keynote speaker Rep. Antonio's focus; families came and kids drew messages of love with chalk; about half of the formal program was music.
I think this was okay by itself, as long as the rally is viewed as a starting point. I've encountered several comments both online and in real life to the effect that "the important work is what happens after the rally." The very first speaker (after Action Together Lakewood's leaders), state senator Mike Skindell, raised the issue of "what happens on Monday" after the event.
His remarks today were brief, of necessity, but significant in that he introduced Rabbi Enid Lader, who made the most challenging comments of the afternoon. She recalled how not only was she discriminated against when growing up in 1950s Florida, but her children were ostracized by peers, for being Jewish, here in Lakewood in the 1980s. While Lakewood can be proud that this was a final stop on the Underground Railroad, as Council President O'Leary pointed out, Rabbi Enid reminded us that there's another side to our story which was much more recent. (The children who said they couldn't be friends with Jews must be about my age, now; one hopes that they outgrew prejudice but who knows.) I hope that media use at least a little of her comments, somewhere.
So, now…? I have a few thoughts taking shape, in fact I left the event with a sense of purpose.
I think that Action Together Lakewood Area is not planning to call it a day on this, either. I have gotten to know the group and they have really impressed me. Everyone is invited to their next meeting on September 10. I would guess they will have some suggested actions then, if not sooner. If you have suggestions, by all means bring them along. Or post them here; ATLA being fairly informal I guess I'm effectively an active member, at this point.
Now, just a few photos, because this was a real-life event after all. (This is a tiny tiny selection; if you want to see more I suggest starting with Alex Belisle's photo album.)
Rabbi Enid.
Gary, and Corrine.
First, this was primarily a positive, uplifting event. That was keynote speaker Rep. Antonio's focus; families came and kids drew messages of love with chalk; about half of the formal program was music.
I think this was okay by itself, as long as the rally is viewed as a starting point. I've encountered several comments both online and in real life to the effect that "the important work is what happens after the rally." The very first speaker (after Action Together Lakewood's leaders), state senator Mike Skindell, raised the issue of "what happens on Monday" after the event.
His remarks today were brief, of necessity, but significant in that he introduced Rabbi Enid Lader, who made the most challenging comments of the afternoon. She recalled how not only was she discriminated against when growing up in 1950s Florida, but her children were ostracized by peers, for being Jewish, here in Lakewood in the 1980s. While Lakewood can be proud that this was a final stop on the Underground Railroad, as Council President O'Leary pointed out, Rabbi Enid reminded us that there's another side to our story which was much more recent. (The children who said they couldn't be friends with Jews must be about my age, now; one hopes that they outgrew prejudice but who knows.) I hope that media use at least a little of her comments, somewhere.
So, now…? I have a few thoughts taking shape, in fact I left the event with a sense of purpose.
I think that Action Together Lakewood Area is not planning to call it a day on this, either. I have gotten to know the group and they have really impressed me. Everyone is invited to their next meeting on September 10. I would guess they will have some suggested actions then, if not sooner. If you have suggestions, by all means bring them along. Or post them here; ATLA being fairly informal I guess I'm effectively an active member, at this point.
Now, just a few photos, because this was a real-life event after all. (This is a tiny tiny selection; if you want to see more I suggest starting with Alex Belisle's photo album.)
Rabbi Enid.
Gary, and Corrine.
