This week we have seen attacks on Christians and Jews and linked one of them to recent a recent arson attack against a mosque. Even more disturbing is that these events are an extension of a pattern of global hate violence and murder.
It’s hard to craft a statement that is different from those of the last six months, but we must continue to use our voices to say “no more” to reach out into the darkness with a sliver of light.
When we stop speaking out against hate and violence, we give it power.
At OC Human Relations we will keep speaking out, but we will not stop there. Each day we will go into your schools and neighborhoods – we will teach young people to love their neighbors, ALL of their neighbors, we will show residents that their conflicts can be resolved with words and understanding and we will be led by our commitment to the dignity of all people.
“We cannot despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings” Albert Einstein
“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.” Lily Tomlin
Keep stretching your sliver of light into the darkness. Shine it into the dark corners of hate, violence, bigotry and pain – they are also part of our humanity, a part we must reckon and wrestle with as we strive to be better – more loving, more just and more equitable.
