Latest posts
Filmmakers Launch ‘The Cure for Hate’ Educational and Social Impact Campaign to Combat Rising National Hate Crimes Crisis
Tony McAleer
Tony McAleer in 'The Cure for Hate: Bearing Witness to Auschwitz,' directed by Peter Hutchison
NEW YORK, September 27, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Author and anti-hate activist Tony McAleer and filmmaker Peter Hutchison of Eat the Moon Films are proud to announce the launch of THE CURE FOR HATE, a nationwide educational and social impact campaign designed to combat the rising national hate crimes crisis this fall.
"Several years in the making — from the U.S. to Poland to Canada — we’re thrilled to begin sharing 'The Cure for Hate' and our social impact program with high schools and communities across America," said Hutchison. "Stories like these are a powerful tool, and can play a crucial role in helping to turn the tide of racism and intolerance."
The program will debut in Pittsburgh on Sept. 27 with Dismantling Conspiracy Theories and Holocaust Denial: a film screening and panel discussion hosted by the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. The Cure for Hate team, former neo-Nazi turned anti-hate activist Tony McAleer and filmmaker Peter Hutchison (the upcoming "The Invisible Doctrine. The Secret History of Neoliberalism," “Healing from Hate,” “Requiem for the American Dream”) will also visit area secondary schools to engage with students, screen the film, and deliver the curriculum. THE CURE FOR HATE: BEARING WITNESS TO AUSCHWITZ will screen at the Eradicate Hate Global Summit. The program will also host a Teen Screen event with Film Pittsburgh in late September.
The engagements in Pittsburgh mark the first stop in an extensive screening tour targeting secondary schools and select communities across the country with stops in Oregon with Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Idaho with the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, Houston with TAPS Academy as part of its Anti-Hate Week, Tennessee with TN Holocaust Commission, and more to be announced shortly.
"I am really excited to share my journey and the history of the Holocaust with young people in a way that teaches important lessons to ensure it never happens again," said McAleer.
In the Jewish tradition, tshuvah means "return" and describes the return to God and our fellow human beings that is made possible through repentance for our wrongs.
THE CURE FOR HATE: BEARING WITNESS TO AUSCHWITZ follows Tony McAleer, a former Neo-Nazi and Holocaust denier, who went on to become a founding member of the anti-hate activist group Life After Hate. Profoundly aware and deeply ashamed of the lineage of hate he'd once promoted, McAleer had long-contemplated traveling to Auschwitz in the spirit of tshuvah — to bear witness to the inconceivable ravages of the Holocaust and deepen his personal work against the rise of extremist politics.
This project documents his profoundly personal journey of atonement to Auschwitz/Birkenau — exploring the conditions that allowed for the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe; shedding a unique light upon how men get into, and out of, violent extremist groups; and serving as a cautionary tale for our time that underscores the dangers in allowing hate to be left unchecked.
"The Cure for Hate brings the lessons of Auschwitz into the present, as living history — at this crucial moment, with hate and intolerance on the rise and continuing to dominate the headlines," said Hutchison. "Tony’s journey stands as a remarkable example of what is possible. After all, if a hardened neo-Nazi can find his way back from hate, then what lessons can it hold for the rest of us?"
Thanks to a grant from The Center for Prevention Programs & Partnerships “Targeted Violence & Terrorism Prevention Program,” THE CURE FOR HATE: BEARING WITNESS TO AUSCHWITZ aims to use the film and the lived experiences of author and subject Tony McAleer to counter the rising tide of intolerance and violent extremism. The impact program was created to engage vulnerable youth and select communities and — through the use of experiential learning exercises and the exploration of history — enhance resilience to indoctrination and radicalization.
"In this time of rising anti-Semitism, this film serves as both a memory and a warning of what hate can lead to if left unchecked," said McAleer.
Contact Information:Scott Motisko
Publicist
[email protected]
570-335-1305
Original Source: Filmmakers Launch 'The Cure for Hate' Educational and Social Impact Campaign to Combat Rising National Hate Crimes Crisis
SPORT
With Nearly 2,000 Athletes, the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games & Access, North America’s Largest Jewish Teen Sports and Community Building Event, Leaves a Lasting...
Boys 16U Soccer Finals
The Fort Lauderdale Maccabi Soccer team won their gold medal match against the Philadelphia team.
DAVIE, Fla., September 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access, hosted by the David Posnack Jewish Community Center (DPJCC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have concluded with resounding success and heartfelt gratitude to the community that made it all possible. This week-long celebration of sports, camaraderie, and inclusivity has left a lasting impact, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our generous supporters.
Close to 2,000 Jewish teen athletes aged 12-16, representing communities worldwide, gathered in Fort Lauderdale to experience the joy of sports and the power of inclusion. The Games, presented by the JCC Association of North America, offered an unforgettable Olympic-style experience filled with competitions, opening and closing ceremonies, community service, social and cultural events, and opportunities to create Jewish connections that will last a lifetime.
One of the highlights of this year's event was the introduction of JCC Maccabi Access, brought to you by UKG and presented by the Posnack Family Foundation. This program is designed to provide athletes aged 12-18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities an inclusive Maccabi experience. This three-day program, held in conjunction with the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games®, exemplified the event's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Scott Ehrlich, CEO of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, reflected on the Games, stating, "We were overjoyed to welcome Jewish athletes from all corners of the world to Broward County for the 2023 JCC Maccabi® Games & Access. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our JCC Maccabi Team led by our Co-Chairs, Lori and Mitch Green, Debby and Dennis Eisinger, Davia and Jim Mazur, and Missy and Dan Longman. Their unwavering commitment contributed significantly to establishing an atmosphere that nurtured camaraderie, inclusiveness, and the genuine essence of the Games."
The Games' success was significantly bolstered by the support of honorary co-chairs Scott Scherr, founder of Ultimate Software, and Scot Hunter, co-founder of Emerald Multi-Family Office. Their encouragement to business owners and the backing of corporate and community partners played a pivotal role in the event's success.
- Exclusive Automotive Sponsor: Craig Zinn Automotive Group
- Official Hospitality Sponsor: Visit Lauderdale
- Access Games Title Sponsor: UKG
- Access Games Presenting Sponsor: Posnack Family Foundation
- Official Sports Complex Sponsor: Nova Southeastern University
- Official Tennis Sponsor: Scherr Family Foundation
- Official Children's Hospital Partner: Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
Supporting Corporate Sponsors:
- Emerald Multi-Family Office
- Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
- Official Torch Sponsor: Duty-Free America
- Kent Security
- Official Beverage Sponsor: Coca-Cola
- The Meltzer Group
- Official Transportation: Sponsor Comcast
- Official Media Partner: Clear Channel Outdoor
- Official Produce Sponsor: ProEx International
- Official Pun, Pass, and Kick Sponsor: Miami Dolphins
- Official Basketball Sponsor: Miami HEAT
- Official Baseball Sponsor: Miami Marlins
- Official Cleaning Company Sponsor: AK Building Services
- Official Swimming Sponsor: Blavatnik Family Foundation
- Northland Investments
- Official V-VIP Dinner Sponsor: Aroma Market & Catering
- Custom Outfitters LLC
- FP&L
- Greenspoon Marder
- Manne Foundation for Homeless Prevention
- Official Mitzvah Sponsor: Children's Services Council of Broward County
The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access were not just about competition; they were also about giving back to the community. The JCC Cares Mitzvah Projects showcased the spirit of service, assembling over 1,000 Rosh Hashanah food baskets for Goodman JFS Seniors and Holocaust Survivors, donating over 2,500 pairs of new sneakers to students, in partnership with Children's Services Council of Broward County, and repurposing 340 medals for the "We Finish Together" organization, spreading kindness to ill children and adults in hospitals.
Among the highlights:
- Approximately 10,000 spectators attended the Opening Ceremony at FLA Live Arena.
- 1,620 visiting athletes.
- 21 Access participants.
- 375 Coaches & Chaperones.
- 850 Community Volunteers.
- 600 Host Families.
- 215 Local Athletes & Access participants representing Team Fort Lauderdale.
- 64 delegations, including international representation from Israel, Ukraine, Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, and 53 cities throughout the USA.
- 100 Local businesses and individuals generously supporting.
- 110,000 bottles of Dasani water, Powerade, and soda provided by Coca-Cola.
- 47,000 pounds of ice used.
- 20,000 meals served.
- 300 athletes and coaches wrapped tefillin daily.
As the Games came to a close, the resounding message was one of unity, inclusivity, and the power of community. The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access will be remembered not only for the athletic achievements but also for the lasting friendships, cultural exchanges, and shared experiences that will continue to enrich the lives of all those who participated.
For more information about the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access and how you can support future events, please visit dpjcc.org.
Contact Information:Rixys Alfonso
Corporate Sponsorship Consultant
[email protected]
305-558-8877
Scott Ehrlich
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
954-434-0499, ext. 313
Related Images
Boys 16U Soccer Finals
The Fort Lauderdale Maccabi Soccer team won their gold medal match against the Philadelphia team.
Ukrainian team with Stanley
The Ukranian team, sponsored by the David Posnack JCC, poses with Stanley C. Panther at opening ceremonies of the JCC Maccabi Games & Access.
JCC Access Games Athlete & Coaches
Nico poses with his coaches during a skill competition at the Maccabi Access games.
Original Source: With Nearly 2,000 Athletes, the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games & Access, North America's Largest Jewish Teen Sports and Community Building Event, Leaves a Lasting Impact
Jaylen Brown Takes Advocacy International With EFAC
NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown with EFAC Scholars
Education For All Children (EFAC) recently hosted NBA All-Star and 7uice Foundation leader Jaylen Brown for a motivational Q&A with the program's high school students.
PORTSMOUTH, N.H., September 21, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Education For All Children (EFAC) recently welcomed Boston Celtics player and founder of The 7uice Foundation Jaylen Brown at one of their annual workshops. An exceptional athlete and social justice advocate, Brown set a goal to expand his footprint as a global citizen in 2023. The synergy between the two organizations led to this initial engagement with EFAC Scholars in Kenya.
In late August, over 200 students from EFAC’s high school program gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for the annual Bridge-to-Success Workshop. This week-long residential workshop brings together students from all over Kenya to collaborate with EFAC staff and volunteers, ensuring their success in the coming school year. EFAC’s program focuses on mental health and wellness, building leadership and communication skills, and honing practical skills, such as digital and financial literacy. With The 7uice Foundation’s Bridge Program emphasis on social-emotional wellness, leadership development, and resilience coaching, Brown opened the workshop with a live, interactive Zoom call with the students to set the stage for the week.
Students prepared questions for Brown ahead of time, and a lucky few got to speak with him directly. Quinanne, a 10th-grade student who aspires to become an inventor to solve food scarcity in desert regions, approached the microphone appropriately dressed in her tracksuit to ask, “What is one of the greatest lessons you have learned in life?” Brown’s resounding message to the EFAC Scholars was, “There are a lot of lessons that life will teach you. But there’s one lesson that I've learned and I think it applies to sports, it applies to music, it applies to school, it applies to everyday life. And that is to have confidence. Never let somebody break your spirit, never give somebody the power to break your spirit.”
“That a renowned athlete and advocate would take the time to speak with our scholars and provide such generous advice and encouragement means the world to them. The warmth and energy was palpable throughout the interaction. These young people come from backgrounds where their future is not guaranteed, their education often ends before 8th grade, and they are often not convinced that they are valued even after they’ve achieved more than they could have imagined. Events like this reinforce the truth that they matter and give them confidence to fulfill their dreams and make a difference,” commented EFAC Country Director, Mary Kiguru.
As the leading education-to-employment program in Kenya, EFAC continues to grow in size, scope, and depth of impact. Matt Gianino, U.S. Executive Director of EFAC notes, “There is an African proverb that illustrates a core tenet of how EFAC optimizes its impact. It is, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.’ Collaborations with like-minded organizations like The 7uice Foundation and education and empowerment champions like Jaylen Brown are critical to the long-term success of the young people we serve. By sharing his perspectives as an educator and activist as well as life-changing lessons he has learned along his journey, Mr. Brown has helped raise the gaze of future change-makers in Kenya.”
###
About Education For All Children (EFAC):
EFAC is an 8-year education-to-employment program serving Kenyan youth who demonstrate strong academic ability and leadership potential and who would otherwise be unable to continue their education beyond 8th grade for socioeconomic reasons. EFAC supports students in their academic, social and pre-professional development throughout high school, college and into their careers. EFAC was co-founded in 2008 by philanthropists Rod and Nancy Van Sciver of Rye, NH and African education leader Prof. Leah Marangu of Kenya, who became the country’s first female professor at Kenyatta University in 1978 and then its first female university Vice Chancellor at Africa Nazarene University in 1996. EFAC currently operates offices in Portsmouth, NH and Nairobi, Kenya, with active programming across Kenya. The program’s ultimate goal is to develop tomorrow’s professionals and leaders, creating paths out of poverty that transform their own lives and positively impact their families, communities, and country. www.efac.org
About Jaylen Brown:
In July 2023, Brown signed a five-year, supermax contract extension with the Boston Celtics. The deal is the most valuable deal in NBA history. A first-round top three draft pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Brown joined the Boston Celtics at just 19 years old. He has since achieved two-time All-Star player status, is Vice President of the National Basketball Players Association (making him the youngest member of the executive committee in 2019 and reelected for 2023). As Vice President of the NBPA, Brown aided in the creation of THINK450, which helps NBA players gain control of their name and likeness. A community builder on and off the court, Brown hosts a Rookie event, during NBA summer league, in efforts to build connection amongst players. Brown's decisively clear devotion to social justice, especially changing the inequity in the education system, has led him to regularly be considered one of the most enlightened and intelligent athletes in the league.
About The 7uice Foundation:
Founded by Jaylen Brown, The 7uice Foundation collaborates with institutions, organizations, and social change leaders to bridge the opportunity gap for traditionally underserved Black and Brown communities. In the United States, The 7uice Foundation’s signature initiative is the ‘Bridge Program’, a multi-day workshop focused on leadership, emotional literacy, and education for Black and Brown youth. This year the program hosted students from Boston public schools and worked in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab on a STEAM based program. Outside partners inclusive of NASA, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and many individual leaders also participated to inspire these bright scholars. www.the7uicefoundation.org
Contact Information:Jen Henriquez
Communications Director
[email protected]
(603) 207-1088
Original Source: Jaylen Brown Takes Advocacy International With EFAC
