By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL — It was as if the slaughter of 11 Jews at a Pittsburgh synagogue last Saturday happened next door.
A candlelight vigil at Illinois State University, moved indoors because of rain, sent a message Thursday night that love conquers hate.
“We are stronger than hate. This community is stronger than hate. Our state, our country, human civilization is stronger than hate,” exclaimed Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner, who represented the Twin-Cities’ local governments.
ISU freshman Shelley Siegel is the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor.
“We can not let hatred dictate the way we lead our lives,” Siegel said.
“We must learn from the mistakes of our past and educate future generations on love and tolerance. We must vote for love and tolerance,” Siegel also said.
ISU Police Chief Aaron Woodruff called on everyone to think about the impact of our words, reflect on our biases, love one another, and forgive each other.
“We must forgive one another for hurtful words, and even forgive each other for hateful actions. It’s not easy, but failing to forgive each other plants the seeds for future hate,” said Woodruff.
Also speaking at the vigil was a leader of Bloomington-Normal’s Hindu community. Shri Chandak said Hindus in America stand with their Jewish brothers and sisters. Chandak said it’s an goal of his to someday visit Israel.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
