The Power

Of One

SOUTHBURY — At its Holocaust remembrance program on Sunday, April 11, at 4 pm, The Federation, Jewish Communities of Western CT Inc will host speaker and civil rights activist Tammie Schnitzer, who will share “The Power of One,” the story of her family when they lived in Billings, Mont., and were one of only 50 Jewish families.

Her son chose to put a Menorah in his window. That innocent act changed the lives of the entire population of Billings, forcing everyone to examine their values and prejudices. What happened next made history.

Ms Schnitzer has since left Billings but not her commitment to confronting hatred and bigotry. She tells her story as an example of how hatred and intolerance can be confronted and beaten. The USA network made a movie about her titled Not In This Town, and her story has also been written as a play.

Ms Schnitzer has twice been appointed board member of the US Commission on Civil Rights and was a four-year member of President Clinton’s Council for Hate Crimes Advisory Committee. The State of Connecticut  General Assembly  recognized her efforts in November 2009.

Ms Schnitzer continues to travel the country speaking to social issues and concerns with a particular interest in Iranian, Muslim, and Jewish topics as well as segregation and women’s rights.

This free program is open to the entire community. Reservations are requested but not required.

The Federation is at 444 Main Street North (Route 6). For more information or to register for this program call 203-267-3177 or send email to CBurger@jfed.net.