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Why does hate exist in this world? How do we stop it? These questions have been asked throughout history, yet we still do not have answers.
Although we cannot stop all the hate, we can work together and encourage people to question why hate is so prevalent. By understanding our own biases, we can begin to break them down by promoting respect and acceptance. Temple Beth Am is kicking off an unBIASed Initiative on March 28th, 6:30 pm at Pinecrest Gardens with a program we call Break the Bias. The entire community is invited; note that RSVP in advance is required at www.tbam.org/breakthebias
I shared the original concept for Break the Bias as a small idea for promoting acceptance. Following Kanye West’s antisemitic statements in 2022, I could not just sit back and watch what was happening. It felt urgent that we take action to combat all kinds of hate. I envisioned a wide-scale community event to show how everyone has an identity that makes them unique and that there is much value in learning to be respectful of each other. According to the ADL report, Antisemitic Attitudes in America: Topline Findings, “Over three-quarters of Americans (85 percent) believe at least one anti-Jewish trope, as opposed to 61 percent found in 2019.” The rise in antisemitism is directly related to the hate that has increased in our country on all fronts.
Break the Bias will be a town hall-style event featuring a panel composed of teens and adult community leaders representing different races, ethnicities, faiths, ages, and genders. The panel members will answer questions and share personal stories. We will join with our neighbors to reflect and learn from each other’s experiences and identities so that we can live in a community with less bias where everyone can feel valued.
“The reason I want to participate in Break the Bias is to show how all members in the community, no matter their race, sexuality, or age, can come together and find ways to help each other,” said panelist and high school student Johnathan Lamoreaux.
Together we can enhance understanding, leading to more acceptance in our community. Without dialogues like these, nothing is likely to change. Please join us as we make history and begin our journey to Break the Bias.
Please visit www.tbam.org/breakthebias for free tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information.
Samantha Gitlin (Sami) is the Teen Co-Chair of Break the Bias and is a junior at Gulliver Prep in Miami, Florida. She is an active advocate in her community, with DEI related work. Samantha dedicates much of her efforts to a non-profit, The Miami Advocacy Project, which she co-created while in high school. She also enjoys putting her time into journalism, science and giving back to her community.
