Brotherhood Breakfast - April 2004

Brotherhood News

"Global Anti-Semitism: New Millennium, Same Old Song"

Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ has focused local attention on the issues of religious insensitivity, intolerance and anti-Semitism. Perhaps even more problematic than the movie itself is Mr. Gibson's incomprehensible silence with regard to the offensive, Holocaust-revisionist comments made by his father, Hutton Gibson. How this film will resonate worldwide among those who perpetuate the old Jewish stereotypes and canards of "Christ killer" is still playing out.

One thing is painfully clear, however: Global anti-Semitism is reaching epic proportions. In an ominous echo of the 1930s, the frightening increase in anti-Jewish hatred is being fueled by a sophisticated, organized and devastatingly effective strategy of lies and propaganda.

Susan Seligman, executive director of the New Mexico office of the Anti-Defamation League, will be the featured speaker at the April 4 brunch sponsored by the Congregation Albert Brotherhood. Seligman will provide an informative and up-to-the-minute report on the spread of anti-Semitism around the world and an insight into hate here in New Mexico.

This year marks Susan Seligman's 15th year as the local ADL director. In that capacity, she works with law enforcement, media, schools, the legislature and various community groups to combat prejudice, discrimination, and anti-Semitism in New Mexico.
She has tracked hate groups, the militia movement and eco-terrorism throughout her career. Among the many awards she has won for her work are the Governor's Award for Outstanding New Mexico Women, the City of Albuquerque Human Rights Award, and the Trailblazer Award from the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women.

The brunch program will also feature a brief presentation by Werner Gellert, director and co-founder of the New Mexico Holocaust and Intolerance Museum and Study Center, who will talk about the museum's role in the community and what it needs from the community in order to sustain itself. Proceeds from the brunch will be donated to the ADL and the New Mexico Holocaust Museum.

Brunch will begin at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. The cost is $6 for Brotherhood members and $8 for all others. Reservations should be made by April 1 by calling the CAB Response Line at 883-1818, ext. 3203, and leaving your name, telephone number and the number of people for whom reservations are being made. Reservations can also be made with members of the CAB Calling Committee, who will contact those on the phone lists the week prior to the brunch.

We look forward to seeing you all there.
Rick Nathanson, Allan Lerner, CAB program co-chairs

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