Diversity Coalition Response Regarding August 8th Event

About a week ago we received a communication from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), representing multiple local Jewish organizations that were sharing their concerns around an event we supported on August 8th. The event was organized by our friends at the Unitarian Universalists of SLO (UUSLO), and included the screening of the film "Israelism", followed by a Q&A. Alleged comments made during the event were reported to the signatories and understandably caused deep distress.

This, of course, was taken extremely seriously by our board of directors and a response letter was drafted and shared with signatories. For transparency purposes, we are sharing the full letter here below, but also want to take the opportunity to reaffirm our condemnation of any type of hate, including antisemitism, wherever it occurs. 

We take seriously the responsibility of being a trusted partner in this community. Building understanding is a collective effort, and we remain committed to listening with care and engaging openly. We are also thankful to the more than 100 community members who attended the event with a genuine desire to learn and engage in dialogue, reflecting their commitment to fostering understanding.

FULL LETTER FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

The Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo County Board of Directors takes this opportunity to express our heartfelt and sincere apology to members of the San Luis Obispo community who are experiencing unintended pain and distress caused by the screening of the film, “Israelism”. Members of the Jewish community have shared their anguish, pain, fear, and distress as a result of the film’s screening including alleged comments by some members of the program’s panel and audience. The Diversity Coalition has always unequivocally condemned any expressions of antisemitism or hate speech.

We have co-sponsored many programs and activities that help to educate, enhance awareness, and foster understanding across a wide diversity of issues. We do not necessarily agree with or condone the comments of invited participants or members of the audience. Any comment or statement that dehumanizes or threatens an individual or community is unacceptable.

Our programs that condemn and educate the community on antisemitism and other instances of oppression have been an important part of our programming, including our reach into county wide school districts where Holocaust survivors and their descendants have been seen and heard by middle and senior high school students and teachers. These programs have been instrumental in furthering our mission, “To build and sustain a coalition that seeks a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community through advocacy and education”.

We invite feedback and comments that assist us in planning and offering programs and community-based resources that serve the needs of the county. We benefit and rely on collaboration. It is critically important now especially that we work together to heal, repair and restore relationships. We propose a mutually planned dialogue and conversation, the goal being greater understanding, solidarity and built trust with shared interest in empathy and advocacy for all those who suffer.

Thank you for your own continued contributions and activism in advocating for a more respectful and safe community.

Respectfully,

Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo County Board of Directors

For transparency, we are attaching here the statement sent by Jewish community members.