MMC02142020 - Page 23

COURIER LIFE, FEBRUARY 14-20, 2020 23 Community of Like-Minded People — Diversity, Tolerance and Mutual Respect As a Community of like-minded people — a Community of people who although may worship under different religions and who may come from varied races, ethnicities, cultures, and lifestyles and who may have different political views — we all share the same basic and undeniable right to be allowed to live our lives in an environment of tolerance and mutual respect for each other. There is no room in our Community and Neighborhood; in our City; in our State; in our Country; or in our World — for intolerance or violence against any person because of a different religious belief; a different race or nationality; a different political position; or a different sexual orientation. In light of the recent spate of acts of anti-Semitism against members of the Jewish Community — we as a Community of like-minded people from all faiths and religions and from all backgrounds — stand up together with one voice and shout as loud as we can — that we stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters that we will neither tolerate nor accept this type of criminal behavior against the Jewish community or any community or any person. Unfortunately, anti-religious bias knows no boundaries, as we have also seen acts of vandalism and property damage made against Catholic Churches and other houses of worship. We decry such behavior whether carried out: in acrimonious words spoken; in physical acts of violence against any person; or in acts of vandalism and together seek that justice is pursued under the fullest extent of the law for such criminal behavior. We cannot and will not tolerate such malevolent acts and behavior, because, if it happens against any one person or any one group, it happens to all of us. As we enter a new year and a new decade, it is incumbent for all of us to set a new tone for acceptance and tolerance of each other and to celebrate our diversity as a strength and something to unite us rather than as a weakness or something to fear. In this new year and decade — let us together take the first steps to extend a hand to another person to show compassion and kindness and to demonstrate tolerance and mutual respect for our neighbors as well to strangers. Let us take the time to learn more about each other to better understand and appreciate what is important to each of us and our faiths and the tenets of what each group holds as relevant. If we, one at a time, can make an effort to live our lives this way — we can set a new tone that will spread its wings and have no boundaries. It’s time to stand up and let everyone know that criminal behavior against and intolerance of others, because of their differences, will not be tolerated. In its place, it’s time to come together and show respect for each other. Let’s do this together for all of us as a community of like-minded people and for our children and future generations. Written by Thomas Sorrentino – Partner, PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP; Commissioner on the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission and Community Organizer Contributions from: Rabbi Eliseo D. Rozenwasser, Temple Sholom; Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Grimaldi, Pastor and Rev. Michael G. Tedone, St. Bernard Church; and Rev. Msgr. Jamie J. Gigantiello, Pastor, Our Lady of Carmel - Annunciation Church Statement Supported by: ��