From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 5/18/22

By Shelley Hubal

Here we are again: another mass shooting. This time the perpetrator is from Broome County. He could have very easily carried out his hate-filled mission here in our community, but chose to target the Black community of Buffalo. My heart aches for the citizens of Buffalo, but beyond that, I am sad for all of us. Guns, violence and hate are now the norm in this country. Is this the world we want to leave for our children and grandchildren?

So, what can we do? Last week, the Federation held a security seminar with local law enforcement, intelligence and emergency providers. The Vestal Police Department offered to hold an “active shooter” training with us. I plan to take them up on that. Please watch future issues of The Reporter and your e-mail for more information on that. I urge you to attend. Knowing how to react in a terror situation could save your life and the life of others. What can be more important than that? 

The Anti-Defamation League, National Urban League, League of United Latin American Citizens, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC and National Action Network are urging people to sign a petition asking the White House to hold a summit on hate and extremism. This is an effort to find a plan to combat violent extremism and white supremacy. You can find the petition on the ADL website. Will a summit make a difference or just be a political show? I don’t know, but it can’t hurt to sign the petition and let our leaders know the time is now. Hatred, including antisemitism, is growing at an alarming pace and we need real answers. 

I pray our leaders have the courage to pass gun control laws. May God grant all nations and all people peace, and let us pray for an end to the hatred, violence and bloodshed that has run rampant.