Concert Against Hate hits high notes in fight against antisemitism, prejudice
By ALAN SMASON, Exclusive to the CCJN
The South Central Region of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) held its annual Concert Against Hate on Wednesday, April 2, at the Orpheum Theater and honored four individuals for their contributions toward fighting prejudice and taking a stand against antisemitism.
Singer John Boutté entertains the crowd at the Concert Against Hate. (Photo by Alan Smason)
New Orleans singer John Boutté entertained the crowd after the formal portion of the program with a number of songs that reflected on the night’s theme such as Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
ADL South Central Region board president Jill Israel welcomed the attendees, who earlier had enjoyed catered Israeli food from Saba, the restaurant owned by New Orleans Israeli chef Alon Shaya. Israel stated the honorees were truly “inspirational.”
“Your presence here demonstrates your commitment to the mission of fighting antisemitism and securing justice and fair treatment to all,” she added.
Regional director Lindsay Baach-Friedman lamented over the fractious nature of communities today, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attacks and the ensuing war in Gaza and Lebanon by the Israeli Defense Forces against Hamas and Hezbollah.
ADL South Central Region directorLindsay Baach-Friedman at the Concert Against Hate. (Photo by Alan Smason)
“Over the last 18 months we have seen a historic spike in antisemitism in our community,” she noted, but added that the ADL has continued to make spaces for conversations between the outside community and the Jewish community and “to find new and more meaningful ways to do better.”
David Ronnel, the first honoree ever from the State of Arkansas, was still a high school student when he campaigned the Arkansas State Legislature to make Holocaust education required as a means to combat antisemitism. His efforts brought about passage of Act 611 that now makes Holocaust education mandatory across the state.
Following a short video, Ronnel was introduced to the crowd by Touro Synagogue Senior Rabbi Katie Bauman, who is a member of Ronnel’s extended family. She added that he was not only the youngest member to receive the Barney Mintz Community Impact Award, but also the first to be recognized outside the State of Louisiana.
David Ronnel accepts his award . (Photo by Alan Smason)
Ronnel accepted his award with humility. “Growing up in Little Rock Arkansas, I experienced antisemitism in a ways that left me feeling diminished and worthless at times,” he said. “Sometimes the antisemitism was overt and jarring. Other times it was more subtle.”
He also expressed thanks for the ADL’s efforts in improving the climate on college campuses, which he said he experienced himself at his own university.
Missy Hopson was also presented with the Barney Mintz Community Impact Award for her work at Ochsner Health, where she has created medical career opportunities for unemployed workers.
Hopson’s colleague at Ochsner, Tracy Schiro, introduced her and extolled her impact and leadership.
Hopson took the opportunity to thank her team at Ochsner and to congratulate her fellow honorees. “The ADL’s message that there’s no place for hate resonates deeply within me,” she said.
Andy Kopplin. (Photo by Alan Smason)
Former New Orleans city administrator Andy Kopplin and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation was the first of two recipients of the A. I. Botnick Torch of Liberty Award.
Judy Reese Morse, the CEO of the Urban League of Louisiana, introduced Kopplin to the audience and noted his distinguished career, which she recalled him starting work as a chief of staff for two different Louisiana governors Republican Governor Mike Foster and Democratic Governor Kathleen Blanco.
He said he was dumbfounded by his being named a recipient because of all of the work and legacy that had been left behind by past A. I. Botnick Torch of Liberty Award recipients.
Both former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and his wife Cheryl were in the audience and heard Kopplin say “Mayor Landrieu repeatedly insisted that we do what was hard for the sake of doing what was right,” he said. “We must have been doing a lot of right, because it sure was hard.”
The final recipient of the A. I. Botnick Torch of Liberty Award was Ruth Kullman, who was introduced by ADL board member Ayame Dinkler.
Ruth Kullman calls out to ADL leaders in her speech. (Photo by Alan Smason)
“Ruth is a shining example of what happens when courage meets compassion, when conviction meets action and as we honor her tonight let us be reminded of the power of standing against hate,” Dinkler said.
Kullman also expressed her thanks for being selected as a recipient and she credited the regional office of the ADL for all that they do. “In this time of very, very increasing polarization in this community, we need institutions that push back against hate, while encouraging us to rise above it. And this is what ADL does” she stated.
“Our strength comes from believing that every single one of us in this room has a part to play,” she continued. “That even in disagreement we can choose to build rather than to destroy. We all have a voice and we must all use it.”
Following the formal presentation of the awards, Boutté’s quartet performed for an additional 45 minutes.
Photos from the event are here:
