200 Meet To Try To Combat Hate And Prejudice Action Can’t Wait Any Longer, Rabbi, Human Rights Official Say
Envisioning a Spokane without racism, prejudice or hate was the easy part for many who attended a Sunday forum at Gonzaga University.
The event, “Sharing Our Vision for Justice,” drew more than 200 residents, ministers and government officials to GU’s Jepson Center.
But try as they might to bring that vision into focus, it was clouded by militia groups and white separatists gathering about a mile away at the “Self-Sufficiency & Preparedness Expo.”
“No matter how they want to couch it, they’re terrorists,” said Rabbi Jacob Izakson of Temple Beth Shalom.
“If I were a Christian, I would not be able to contain my anger that (Christian Identity members espousing white supremacy) would turn a message of love into one of hate.”
While the militia presence was disturbing to many, the expo at the Spokane Convention Center helped neighbors, classmates and co-workers agree on the need for change.
Spokane Mayor Jack Geraghty said 25,000 fliers have been sent recently to churches, businesses and minority organizations, asking each to develop a plan to combat hate.
This spring, he said, the city will be host to a citizens congress at which residents and activists plan to unite to draw up a citywide plan of action.
But action can’t wait any longer, said the Rev. Keith Wolter, a member of the Spokane Human Rights Commission.
“If we only unite in times of crisis, we won’t win,” he said. “Let’s get our feet tapping, our hands clapping and learn to dance with each other.”
During an impromptu intermission, participants did just that. They stood and sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
Residents later voiced their concerns, speaking from their seats.
“There’s overt hatred we see, but there’s even more underneath,” said Susan Grant, a South Hill resident. Her son, a Cub Scout, received a Scouting newsletter with Polish jokes in it.
“It disturbs me that these jokes, though just for fun, are at the expense of other people. This is pervasive in our community.”
Some suggested everyone learn who their neighbors are. Others pointed to the need for greater tolerance of all cultures, creeds and lifestyles.
About half the crowd stayed to view “Not in our Town II,” a video documenting how several communities across the country have mobilized to oppose hate groups.
“Combating this won’t happen by prayer alone,” said Izakson. “We need action. The mayor is right. They’re not welcome here. But that message has to come from us.”
, DataTimes