Eight synagogues in ADL’s (Anti-Defamation League’s) Southwest Region participated in the agency’s new Kulanu program this year, and ADL is hoping more synagogues will join next year. Kulanu, Hebrew for “all of us,” is an annual program dedicated to empowering congregations to address antisemitism and hate in their communities through education, community engagement, and advocacy. Congregations participating this year include

Thoughts from Mark Toubin, ADL Southwest Regional Director: Twenty-five years ago, on June 7, 1998, two avowed white supremacists and another man chained James Byrd, Jr. to a truck before dragging him for over three miles. For a mile and a half, Mr. Byrd remained conscious. His murder shocked the nation, particularly those who considered violent racism archaic, and eventually

As an extension of the No Place for Hate® program, the Houston Rockets and ADL teamed-up to develop the “No Place for Hate® – Express Yourself Challenge”, a competition for NPFH participating schools. The Challenge encouraged students to either create a 2-3-minute video, poetry, or submit a photo of their still art such as paintings, drawings, collages, or photography depicting the No Place for Hate®

ADL’s Southwest Region honored three Houston-area counselors with the Walter Kase Educator Excellence Award at its board meeting May 10.  The recipients were selected for the award based on their years of service as a No Place for Hate® Coordinator and the leadership they exemplify on their campuses. Two of the counselors receiving the award were from elementary schools: Callyncia

Over 100 people attended Power Forward: Women Changing the Game, a partnership of ADL Southwest’s Women’s Initiative and the Houston Rockets to commemorate International Women’s Day. The informative, inspirational event on March 7 at the Rockets/Nets game included a lively panel discussion before the game and the opportunity to enjoy the game from the Sire Spirits Social Club at the