As Laguna Woods Village retirement community has become more diverse in terms of culture, race and national origin, many residents have embraced this changing character. Others, however, have let prejudices, even hate, get the better of them.
In the wake of two events in 2022 – a mass shooting in a church just outside the gates and a blatant display of hate on a Village sidewalk – resident Rebeca Gilad sought an opportunity to bring together residents who would otherwise have had little or no contact to meet and get to know each other and perhaps even become friends.
Gilad shared her concerns about incidents of hate and possible solutions with like-minded friends and received an overwhelming response, she recalled.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would start what would become a large family,” she said. “What emerged was a feeling of unity, that we stand together in not allowing disrespect toward anyone. Everyone has a right to be respected.”
Gilad assembled a group of residents comprising members of various ethnic, religious, cultural and political groups in the Village to form Community Bridge Builders with the aim of combating bias, bigotry and discrimination in the Village through dialogue, education, advocacy and sharing of cultural experiences.
The group includes religious leaders like Bishop Willie Phillips and Rabbi Joe Mendelsohn; members of the Democratic Club, Concerned Citizens, African American Heritage Club, Rainbow Club and College Club; as well as members of the Foundation of Laguna Woods Village, the Laguna Woods City Council and diverse socially conscious residents.
“Rebeca earns the love and respect she deserves and receives from her colleagues,” said Mendelsohn, who is rabbi of the Reform Temple of Laguna Woods. “She has tireless energy and has devoted a great deal of herself to fighting biases and hateful behavior.”
The Bridge Builders began holding presentations and seminars on combating the causes and…
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