We must all respond to racist attacks when they occur

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Subject: Passers-by watched a racist attack – May 19

The other day, I spent the morning touring the Working Center in downtown Kitchener, guided by a staff member. The multiplicity of aid provided in the various programs and the spirit of dignity and welcome accorded to all have been heroic and inspiring. As the son and husband of refugees who arrived here almost 100 and 75 years ago, respectively, who have enjoyed similar welcome and assistance, I was deeply moved by what I saw. Waterloo Region at its best!

What a disappointment, then, to read the headline this morning. Waterloo Region at its worst! Some viewers’ reluctance is perhaps understandable, given their own traumatic experiences at the hands of racists in the past, either from their native homes or in Ontario. Huge gratitude to the person who was brave and shrewd enough to capture part of the assault on a cellphone, and the empathetic way the police responded.

The court process should consider requiring anti-racism training for the offender, and perhaps a requirement to volunteer at a place like The Working Centre. And it is incumbent on all of us to respond to such attacks with measured courage and determination. We can do it!

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