Kol Ami to host event with Rev. Al Sharpton tonight

Known for his civil activism, Sharpton will participate in a conversation about antisemitism, racism, and white supremacy.

A heavy talk  Rev. Sharpton and Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, will discuss some of America’s toughest topics.

This evening, Kol Ami will host a momentous event: a conversation between Reverend Al Sharpton and a leader in the Jewish community, Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. The presentation, On Antisemitism, Racism, and White Supremacy: How Do We Build a More Inclusive Democracy, has been in the works since last summer. “We thought it important to have an opportunity to hear from leaders who could help us understand the concerning increase in hate and hateful rhetoric and violence that has plagued America for the past few years, but of late especially,” said Rabbi Jason Fenster, senior rabbi of the synagogue.

Fenster points out that these problems affect far more than Black and Jewish people. “It may start with Jewish people, but it never ends there,” he explains. “So, there’s a need to learn about hate and white supremacy and racism, not just as it is particular to the Jewish people, but more broadly so that we can find partnerships with other vulnerable minority populations to make a more pluralistic democracy.”

While Rev. Sharpton is nationally known, Spitalnick is quickly becoming a recognized expert on how antisemitism functions in America and how to combat it. “She sued the Nazis who organized the hate rally in Charlottesville and she won. And since then she's continued to be a really powerful voice in opposition to hate and in favor of a multicultural, pluralistic American society,” Rabbi Fenster says.

He thought it meaningful to have the Reverend and Spitalnick in conversation. “One is a civil rights leader and champion of social justice in this countryfor many years, and [the other is] an emerging voice looking at the impact of antisemitism and not just as it impacts Jewish people, but how white supremacy and racism are a broader problem for America and American society. And to have them in conversation seem like an opportunity that we couldn't pass up. “

It’s likely that many residents in the ’Dale won’t want to pass up the chance to see this remarkable talk either. If you’re among them, catch the livestream on Kol Ami’s Facebook page, Congregation Kol Ami (Westchester, NY), or visit their Youtube channel, or subscribe to the temple’s YouTube channel.