Yoni Henner’s Post

"We only see what we want to see. This is how we distort the perception of things as they truly are". Ajahn Brahm Did you see the UK riots on the BBC news? Started after three girls were killed at a dance class, and incited by false comments that the culprit was an illegal immigrant who followed the Muslim faith, the rioters were incited to inflict pain, cause injury and damage. In a week more than 25 riots had broken out throughout Great Britain, then the community got together and said “enough”. On Wednesday 7th August thousands of people filled the streets, peacefully protesting the rioters’ actions. Some came with children, many with placards stating “refugees welcome” “love and unity”.  Their message was clear: Unity not division. Kindness not hate. No rioter has yet inflicted pain on the peaceful protesters despite their divergent viewpoints and lack of weaponry. Why? I ask.   And I answer myself “the rioters know that peaceful protests are much harder to enact than violent ones, for peaceful protests require emotional restraint.”  Restraint gains more respect than anger every time. Who will forget the lone student standing in front of the tanks in Tiananmen Square? "Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame". Benjamin Franklin When we are blinkered by anger we miss much of what is happening in the situation. The UK rioters seem blinkered to the benefits of immigrants, only seeing their costs. The community seems to view immigrants as an asset, and accordingly welcomes them in. Does either see the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Of course not.  Situations are always more nuanced than we see on the surface. And in any case, what we see is limited by our view. When we feel hurt by others our minds will contract to our hurt, shutting out the needs of others, and closing our senses to opportunities therein. At such times it is very tempting to want revenge, but revenge kicks its own goal. Always. When we seek harmony, truth and appropriate action more readily appears to us, for our mind is softer and more open. Revenge may make us feel powerful for a moment, then what?  When we complete half-heartedly our last days (because we have been made redundant) how proud will we feel when we later remember the hardship our boss suffered because he broke all the rules to give us a three month holiday during peak season. How will we feel when we remember the good times we had with our lover, and the sacrifices they made for us and our families, after we turned backs on them because they strayed after 25 years. It is easy to feel hurt. It is easy to lash out. It is hard to stand tall when there are tanks rolling down on you.  But when we look for the good, when we are generous, when we seek harmony before division, finding the truth and taking appropriate action becomes easier. Anger ends in shame. Divided we fall. Your life. Your career. Your choice.

Right now, something extraordinary is unfolding at the #MarchForIsrael in Washington DC. It's a powerful display of how to advocate passionately yet peacefully for a cause. And let me tell you, it's a sight to behold. I feel like everyone needs to see this. Here's what's unfolding: 🔹 People showing their faces, unmasked and proud. Because when your cause is just, there's no need to hide. 🔹 Tears being shed, not just in sorrow, but in remembrance and hope for a brighter future. 🔹 Songs of peace echoing through the streets, a melody of hope and belief. 🔹 Heartfelt thanks being extended to the authorities, acknowledging their dedication to keeping everyone safe. 🔹 Unity, not just as a word, but as a powerful action. People coming together, standing shoulder to shoulder for peace standing with Isreal. What's remarkable about this march? It's how it's being done – with utmost respect. No desecrating monuments, no dishonoring veterans. It really makes you think, doesn't it? The way you protest, the way you stand up for your beliefs, it says a lot about you and your cause. The goal in DC today? To make a Kiddush Hashem and show people the truth. 🤔 So, I ask you, do you see the difference? The contrast between this and other protests? It's not just in the 'what', but very much in the 'how'. Take a closer look, and you'll feel it too. Let's get this message out there. Share this post, talk about it with friends. Let’s show the world the power and the impact of standing up for what you believe in, the right way.

Planned nationwide protest: Finding peaceful pathways (II) – Our Security, Our Peace by Prof. O.E Bassey "Public support and cooperation are also vital for the success of the protest. Engaging with local communities and informing them about the protest’s objectives and peaceful intentions can help garner broader support. By addressing concerns and promoting understanding, organizers can foster a sense of shared purpose and ensure that the protest is seen as a legitimate and positive force for change. Community involvement can also act as a safeguard against potential disruptions and encourage a collective adherence to non-violent principles.” https://lnkd.in/dMsUB4fP

Sir Edmund Burke... The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Arrests made around the United States are showing us one thing. Most of the protestors being arrested on college campuses are not students. They are outsiders, paid for by dark money to promote civil unrest. Following that money will take you to a select few billionaires within the United States and to foreign actors. This is why you see useful idiots at these protests who cannot identify where Israel or Gaza are on a map, or can't articulate the history of that region of the world. They are paid to disrupt. Period. It's long past time for federal authorities to start investigating entities that pay people to engage in assault, extortion, arson and the destruction of private or public property. Follow the money. Seize assets--Left leaning or right leaning. All should be treated equally and none should be left to interfere with the way Americans live their lives or to cause people to fear for their safety and security. If you don't like this country or our way of life, there's a simple solution: LEAVE. Enough is enough. Vote accordingly at the local level, the state level and in federal elections.

Yesterday, in the heart of Accrington, we witnessed something truly inspiring: our Muslim and Asian (GEM) community came together in a peaceful protest, standing firm against the divisive rhetoric and extremist ideologies that have recently plagued our nation. As someone who was born and raised in Britain as an Asian Muslim, I feel immense pride in seeing our community's resilience and commitment to promoting unity and respect. These recent riots and the alarming rise of far-right extremism are deeply troubling. They seek to undermine the rich tapestry of multiculturalism that defines Britain. It is both disheartening and erroneous to attribute societal issues solely to Muslims or migrants. Such narratives are not only inaccurate but also detrimental to the cohesion of our society, as they spread division and propagate hatred. The impact of these events extends beyond the streets. They affect us all—my clients, my staff, my family, my friends, my neighbours, and our wider community. The peaceful demonstration in Accrington is a testament to the fact that love, solidarity, and mutual respect can and should prevail over intolerance and bigotry. Navigating life effectively requires open communication and a genuine effort to understand issues, rather than seeking scapegoats. Embracing our diversity and supporting one another is the only path to a cohesive and thriving society. https://lnkd.in/eer75uNq #CommunityUnity #MulticulturalBritain #PeacefulProtest #StandAgainstExtremism #RespectDiversity #EndRacism #StrengthInDiversity https://lnkd.in/eer75uNq

We are many you are few - now there's something to hold onto. Far right populism is a damaging, dangerous minority in the UK, and its devastating to see whats happening, but its also a beacon of overwhelming hope to see that largely love wins over hate, amazing scenes of solidarity across the UK. I'm the child of an Ecuadorian immigrant mother, and British (Ukrainian-polish decent) father. I've seen the racist cruelness of few in the UK mostly through my mother's eyes, the discrimination, forced to work illegally etc. I've never experienced much racism, except being banned from speaking Spanish (my native language) at school, being asked "where I'm really from" and told I'd never amount to more than just a cleaner ... It's nothing compared to the violence, intimidation and what can only be described as domestic terrorism black and brown persons experience today and for the last decades.  The UK's "greatness" was built on bloody, violent, racist colonialism..much of it's wealth today (from the treasures in the crown jewels and museums, through to the gold in the finance sector) was stolen from the very countries and people's the far right demonstrators now blame for somehow "taking their country".  The great tradgey in the UK lies in our education system. No one ever explained to us what colonialism was (is) how the Brits raped, pillaged, killed, tortured, stole so much to create the "greatness" that lines the pockets of few, and allowed the country to be built up on such a way as those protestors now feel they have a right to 'protect'. The only thing the Uk was ever good at was war, fighting, strategy and manipulation. Sure industrialisation and engineering, but built upon exploitation of its own people and millions around the world.  Many people in the UK have re-educated ourselves to see our history for what it really was. Unfortunately, lack of education, poverty, lack of opportunity and the vehement manipulation of certain figures (ahem Farage) have used this discontent to seed hate and blame, as opposed to finding real solutions to the root of pain ans discontent people feel. And I'm quite sure it's not ACTUALLY migration numbers, it's likely the fact they can't see the doctor when needed, or the.cost of living crisis, or the unemployment.. Now its time to ensure that the community comes together to defy these thugs, and to jointly write a story for future generations on how to heal and jointly overcome oppression, discontentment, disenchantment and find a way forward that works for us all.. because as much as some would like to change it, black, brown, white, all of us must live together in peace and understanding, no entire group is going to leave the UK. Once the violence settles, it'll be time to build back the UK in a way that ensures the same won't happen in 50years time (again)  I believe only reconciliation and understanding will get us there. Love wins over hate  #UK  #riots  #farRight#peace#Farage

The recent stabbing incident involving three girls in Southport has once again ignited the flames of misguided hatred and bigotry, particularly among members of the National Front (NF) and English Defence League (EDL). These groups, known for their far-right ideologies and xenophobic agendas, have been quick to exploit the tragedy, targeting Muslims and mosques despite the clear facts about the perpetrator. It is crucial to address the baseless and misplaced nature of their protests, highlighting the irrationality and ignorance that fuels such actions. Firstly, let's set the record straight: the man responsible for the attack is not Asian, Muslim, or an immigrant. He is black, born in Cardiff, and raised as a Christian. This crucial information alone dismantles the narrative being pushed by the NF and EDL, who seem determined to blame the Muslim community for any violent incident, regardless of the actual facts. The NF and EDL have long history of targeting Muslims and other minority groups, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and inciting violence based on racial and religious prejudices. Their protests and actions are often based on misinformation or outright lies, serving to spread fear and division within communities. The recent Southport incident is no exception. Instead of addressing the real issues, these groups are leveraging the tragedy to further their own discriminatory The repercussions of these protests are deeply felt within the Muslim community. Mosques become targets for vandalism and violence, and innocent people are harassed and intimidated. This not only fosters a climate of fear but also undermines social cohesion, making it harder for communities to live together peacefully. The actions of the NF and EDL do not contribute to the safety or well-being of society; rather, they perpetuate cycles of hatred and violence. It is imperative for the public to engage in rational and informed discourse, basing opinions and actions on facts rather than fearmongering. Communities must come together to condemn not only the violence but also the hatred and bigotry that follow in its wake. By doing so, we can work towards a more inclusive and understanding society, where individuals are judged by their actions and character rather than their race or religion. The NF and EDL's protests in response to the Southport stabbing are a clear example of misplaced and irrational hatred. The perpetrator's background as a black Christian man from Cardiff makes it evident that targeting Muslims and mosques is both unfounded and unjust. It is time to move beyond the divisive and destructive rhetoric of these far-right groups and focus on building a society based on facts, empathy, and mutual respect. Only then can we hope to prevent further violence and bring together true community cohesion.

Today is Yom HaShoah. Today, the Jewish world commemorates the ~6,000,000 who died in the Holocaust. So many lives ended and many more were irrevocably changed by the plague of hatred that swept through Europe a mere 79 years ago. Having marked the day all my life it is hard not to realize this year is different! How can it not be when we see that plague of hatred rearing its head once more: * Protestors confront mourners at Auschwitz (https://lnkd.in/e4_8gVcv) * Jews are accosted and told to go back to Auschwitz (https://lnkd.in/e2jM7Rbs) * And antisemitic incidents in the United States are now at their all-time highest level EVER RECORDED (https://lnkd.in/ehanUvp5) * And, I could go on, and on Perhaps I am exceedingly naive, but I cleave to hope that these incidents are the manifestations of the margins of society. I continue to pray that the majority of society cleaves to the inalienable sanctity of every human life and the desire for every person to lead a life of meaning, purpose and peace! But hope is not a strategy. We must work every day to express the humanity we see in others. We can do this in methods large and small. Philanthropy, basic courtesy, acts of kindness, volunteerism, and civil service are more important now than ever before. May those of us who yearn for peace and tolerance drown out the fire of ignorance, hatred and bigotry.

In light of recent events involving Neo-Nazi demonstrations in Nashville, Tennessee, the community has been left grappling with uncertainty and frustration. While the instinct to confront such displays of hatred with anger and outrage is understandable, it often leads to further division and animosity. Recognizing the need for constructive approaches to address hate groups, I authored an article in 2017 proposing a proactive strategy for dealing with such situations. Despite the passage of seven years, the insights and recommendations outlined in the article remain relevant today. The article advocates for a methodical and preemptive approach to managing hate groups, emphasizing the importance of planning and preparedness over reactive emotional responses. By disseminating this article anew, I aim to spark dialogue and encourage communities to adopt proactive measures for addressing hate groups before tensions escalate to violence. I invite you to revisit the article and consider its implications for fostering resilience and cohesion within communities facing the threat of hate groups. By adopting proactive strategies, we can work towards containing the influence of hate groups and safeguarding the well-being of our citizens. https://lnkd.in/gw_8_BSM