One of the more moving aspects of the 3 million plus people marching in Paris this past weekend was the number of people holding signs identifying themselves with any of the number of terrorist victims, including “Je Suis Juif” (I am a Jew) and “Je Suis Musulmane” (I am a Muslim).
Reaching out beyond the natural, impacted constituency is a key and necessary part of moving from a small group of committed activists into creating a true societal movement. That’s what happened during the Civil Rights era in the 60s, and what needs to happen now for people with disabilities, who are among the poorest and most discriminated Americans, and around the world.
In the Los Angeles Jewish community, we are jointly taking an important step forward with a Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month event on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 12-3, at Camp Max Straus in Glendale, operated by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters.
This event is open to all, and will include sensory friendly activities, DJ (with our son Danny DJ helping out), food, farming activities, arts and crafts and sports. In a true collaborative spirit, the event is hosted by all 15 of the HaMercaz Partners, including the Los Angeles Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Service, along with Community Sponsors, Love My Providers and ROSIES Foundation.
Family admission is $5 in advance, $10 at the door. To purchase tickets and more information, go to http://jbbbsla.org/events/JDAIM2015/
Saying you care is a great start, but showing up is even better!
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