Rabbis Muller and Hunter, new Youngstown BOE member, to focus on racism

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Racism continues to plague American society. Addressing the subject will be Rabbi Franklin Muller of Congregation Rodef Sholom and Dario Hunter, a former Muslim who was ordained a rabbi.

After a brief Shabbat service Friday at the synagogue, 1119 Elm St., Rabbi Muller will interview Hunter.

Rabbi Muller said a congregant suggested the session. “The congregant said Hunter would be an interesting person to know,” the rabbi said, adding that Hunter has a unique background.

Hunter was raised by his Iranian Muslim father and African-American Catholic mother in New Jersey. He converted to Judaism, first through the Reform Movement then through an Orthodox process. A lawyer, he lived in Haifa, Israel, for a time where he practiced environmental law. Hunter also is gay and a new member of the Youngstown Board of Education.

Rabbi Muller said the social-action committee at the synagogue arranges some event to commemorate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The birthday of the civil-rights activist will be marked Monday; various Mahoning Valley events are planned this weekend.

“It’s been our custom to discuss the racial issue at our MLK service,” Rabbi Muller said. “We address it by looking what we can do from the Reform Movement point of view,” he said.

Rabbi Muller said prejudice is not confined to any one group. “It is a societywide problem that must be addressed,” he said, adding this issue is a “problem to be tackled as we come together.”

He said he hoped this conversation would “be the beginning of something ... but I don’t know what.” “The more people involved will lead to addressing and solving the problem,” Rabbi Muller said.

Hunter said because of his heritage and life choices, he has “gotten it from all directions.” He continued that “as a black man, my ethnic background and being openly gay” all have made him a target of discrimination. But, having had these experiences, Hunter said, he believes cultivating a “respect for diversity” is the answer. He added everyone shares a common humanity.

He said having a program on racism at a synagogue is significant because the Jewish people have been persecuted and experienced bigotry. “Judaism is my center when dealing with this issue,” he said. “Though faith, Jews have overcome, and that shows the best of Judaism.”

Hunter said American society is “still struggling to apply King’s principles.”

As for Friday’s program, Hunter said he hopes “people step out of their comfort zones” and “open their hearts and minds.”