On Friday morning TM Garret, the former German born leader of the Ku Klux Klan for Europe and former Neo-Nazi, turned human and civil rights activist against anti-Semitism, racism and hate, spoke to Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) High School’s 11th graders, followed by a presentation in HAFTR Middle School to the 8th grade class.
At a time of rising anti-Semitic hate crimes in the region, Mr. Garret brings a unique understanding of the factors that entice people into hate groups and more importantly, what can be done to counter those realities, prevent hate group recruitment and provide a pipeline to pull people out of such organizations.
Mr. Garret demonstrated to HAFTR students through his own personal experiences the true impact of bullying and how individual acts of compassion and kindness can truly defuse beliefs in stereotypes and alter peoples paths toward hate.
Zev Brenner, Radio Host, Talkline Communications Network; Michael Cohen, Eastern Director, Simon Wiesenthal Center
| Last spring, Mr. Garret and SWC facilitated an introductory dinner at Traditions Eatery in Cedarhurst with Young Israel of Woodmere’s Rabbi Hershel Billet, Rebbitzen Billet and Young Israel of Hewlett’s Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz. Impressed with his transformation, dedication and current work, both synagogues invited him to come to speak at some later date to their congregations leading to the activities of this past weekend. On Shabbat morning, Mr. Garret addressed the congregation of Young Israel of Hewlett who held a kiddush in his honor, followed by an incredibly moving Saturday evening presentation, which included a video of his past and his current work to the congregation of Young Israel of Woodmere. During both presentations, attendees of the programs came up individually to speak to Mr. Garret, as he inspired them and were thankful for his willingness to be so open about his past in order to help create a better future. Late Saturday evening Mr. Garret was also invited to be a guest on the Talkline Communications Network show with Zev Brenner. Even past midnight, the phone lines rang non-stop with listeners able to ask questions to Mr. Garret and thank him for his commitment to erase hate. |
From left to right: Michael Cohen, Eastern Director, Simon Wiesenthal Center; TM Garret; Rabbi Menachem Brenner, Assistant Rabbi, BACH Jewish Center
| On Sunday morning Mr. Garret’s journey through Long Island’s South Shore continued at the BACH Synagogue of Long Beach, who sponsored a breakfast presentation for him to address both their congregation and residents of Long Beach. Once again Mr. Garret’s presentation had those present in awe after learning that he was not just a member of hate groups, but a prominent leader who is now using his charisma and leadership abilities to fight hate and anti-Semitism in local communities, college campuses, and wherever else an impact can be achieved. |
TM Garret speaking to attendees after his presentation at BACH Jewish Center of Long Beach, NY
| TM Garret is continuing his work against hate around the country. In 2016 he founded a not-for-profit organization to help create a pipeline for those looking to come out of hate groups, by giving them the support and services he did not have when he chose to leave them. To have Mr. Garret come to your community please do not hesitate to contact SWC’s Eastern Director Michael Cohen at MCohen@Wiesenthal.com. |
