Dear Friends,
For those who believe in equality, nonviolence and multi-belief understanding, 2017 was a challenge. We saw children bullied without mercy and how religious bias fuels hate (it’s the #1 cause of hate crimes in New York State). And still, more than one-in-three U.S. workers still experience (or witness) religious bias at work.
In my view, it’s up to each of us to counter the bigotry, hatred and violence that threaten the unity of our nation. That’s why—at Tanenbaum—we continued expanding our programs, staffing, and have stepped up our advocacy based on our core principles…making religious freedom a reality, while preventing discrimination against people based on their religious beliefs, race, gender or sexual orientation.
We were a public voice against acts of extremism, the Muslim ban, the RAISE Act, and white supremacy. And we opposed bigotry in amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Internationally, we supported collaboration among our 28 Peacemakers in Action and convened a Southeast Asia Intervention, where several Peacemakers trained more than 465 peace activists. We also welcomed two new Peacemakers to our Network. Dr. Sarah AK Ahmed is a Muslim from Iraq, serving internally displaced Kurds, Christians and others suffering from the trauma that engulfs her country. And James Lual Atak, a former child soldier, returned to South Sudan after his escape, to rescue and teach orphans…and anyone else in need.
And that’s not all. At home, we broke a new record, reaching over 1 million patients by partnering with NYC Health + Hospitals to provide religio-cultural competence training to their staff.
Meanwhile, our Corporate Membership program increased by more than 40% to include 38 global companies employing more than 5 million people.
I thank you for your support – we couldn’t do it without you.
Joyce S. Dubensky, Esq
CEO, Tanenbaum