Orange County Democratic Women to host a forum on the rise of hate in society on Feb. 10

CHESTER — On Sunday, Feb. 10, Orange County Democratic Women will host a panel discussion on the Rise of Hate in Society.
Speakers will include New York State Senator Jen Metzger, civil rights attorney Michael Sussman, Jewish Federation Executive Director Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein and Pine Bush High School student Gabe Girault. Also invited is Minisink Valley High School student N’Senga Kinzonzi.
The moderator will be Virginia Scott, the vice president of Orange County Democratic Women.
Speaker will address the increase in incidents involving anti-Semitism and racism in Orange County, as well as the impact that divisiveness and bullying are having on society.
The format will be like that of a town hall discussion. Each panelist will address his/her own personal or professional experience in this area.
Following the panelists’ presentations, audience members can submit questions or comments.
OCDW is hosting this event so that people will be able to have a real discussion away from the highly charged news stories that occur when an incident occurs in Orange County.
“Our goal in hosting the event is to encourage discussion and to try to answer some questions about how individuals can help reduce divisiveness and hate,” said OCDW president Willa Freiband.
The event will be at the Chester Senior Center, 81 Laroe Road, from 2 to 5:30 p.m.
The suggested contribution is $10. The forum is free for full-tome Orange County students.