The DiversiRIDE to ROLL OVER HATE!
Anti-Semitism, Racism, Bullying, Cyberhate, Anti-Bias, Extremism...
To think that these and other issues not only still exist in our world today, but have become even more prevalent, even in our own neighborhoods.
There is something called the Pyramid of Hate. The Holocaust did not "come out of nowhere". Rwandan, Armenian, Bosnian and other mass murders did not just "happen". Genocide is the top of a pyramid that begins with biased attitudes, such as stereotypes and fear of differences. These move people to acts of bias- bullying, ridicule, slurs, de-humanization. The next level is discrimination, whether it be economic, political, educational, or employment. As we step up the level of discrimination, this becomes Bias Motivated Violence- assault, vandalism, rape, and murder. Charlottesville and The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh are recent examples of escalation. While it may sound like a large leap, these steps have been historically shown to further escalate to the highest level of hate, that being Genocide- the act or intent to deliberately and systematically annihilate an entire people.
Yes- heavy stuff...
So what are we going to do about it? We are going to celebrate our diversity, embrace inclusivity, thrive on our differences! How you ask? Support the Anti-Defamation League.
I’m inviting you and all of my friends, family, and neighbors to support me when undertake something I've attempted to do since last riding my 3 Day Cross Pennsylvania Bike Ride a few years ago. It is of my own creation- The DiversiRIDE, as I bicycle 3 days to ROLL over Hate on April 25th, 26th, and 27th. In reference to the Pyramid of Hate, I will escalate each day of riding, 54 miles on Day 1, 90 miles on Day 2, and 126 miles on Day 3. All multiples of 18 which reference Chai, meaning Life in Hebrew (and delicious tea!). I will be riding routes in different directions each day, but all routes come together upon the finish- my home. Just like our society needs to come together. NOW!
Your generous contributions will go to support the Philadelphia region of the ADL, and I will further match up to $5,000 towards the fight against pancreatic cancer, in memory of my father, Ernie Blumenthal. My dad and family experienced hate in the ugliest of forms at the beginning of his life, and pancreatic cancer took him form us in the end. But in between those terrible bookends was a wonderful person who cared for all and brought joy to all who knew him.
It is time once again to step up and fight hate, bigotry and discrimination in our community. Events of this past year only show how much work needs to be done. I’m proud to support the work of the ADL and its mission “to secure justice and fair treatment to all”, and I’m asking you to do so as well. If you agree with me that we need to stop the hate, please consider supporting me:
Making a donation at https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=4383588&langPref=en-CA.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to taking a step in the right direction – together!
Ride on,
Ed