Common Threads of Fear: A Dialogue for Peace

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION--Common Threads of Fear: A Dialogue for Peace

A panel discussion was held on reprisals against certain groups during times of crisis and throughout history, including Sept. 11. The discussion took place during International Human Rights Day events held yesterday at Pier 21 in Halifax.

The session, titled Common Threads of Fear: A Dialogue for Peace, addressed the fears that certain groups have faced and continued to face.

Rabbi David Ellis of the Atlantic Jewish Council discussed the importance of teaching Jewish children their history so they can be strong and armed with information if confronted with discrimination. He noted the importance of sharing their heritage with the broader community in order to promote greater understanding.

Saleem Ahmed, vice-president of the Islamic Association of the Maritime Provinces, focused on the acts of misdirected hate in his community and others in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He said that reprisals in Halifax were less pronounced in comparison to other places, but significant. In particular, women who wore head coverings or hijabs were the targets of harassment.

"When society is under perceived threat," said Mr. Ahmed, "then comes the real test of how democratic that society is."

Patricia Doyle-Bedwell, director of the Programme for Indigenous Blacks and Mi'kmaq at Dalhousie University, said that the Sept. 11 events shook her to her very core.

"We have to learn about each other and unlearn what we think we know about each other," Ms. Doyle-Bedwell said of the backlash after those events and of global racism and discrimination.

Irvine Carvery, president of the Africville Genealogical Society talked about the history of oppression of the Black community in Nova Scotia and the responses of his community in times of crisis.

"What kept our communities together was our belief in family and church," he said.

He noted the need for greater economic participation and representation in the province from African Nova Scotians as a whole.

The panelists made recommendations that were used for afternoon working group sessions with people of all ages and from all sectors. The groups focused on education, advocacy, promotion of understanding, and networking. A report on the proceedings with recommendations for action on behalf of the community is being developed.

The panel discussion was organized by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and the Partners Against Racism Committee, a coalition made up of individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights.