FCCJ Teams with Gift of Life to Spread the Message: Hate Hurts

An initiative of the organization Gift of Life in America, HateHurts was born out of founder Henri Landwirth’s desire to spread the message of forgiveness. Mr. Landwirth survived unimaginable hatred and cruelty at the hands of the Nazis in a concentration camp. Where many would be bitter and full of anger, Henri chose to forgive those who hurt him, and use those experiences as personal examples of the danger of hate.

By promoting Henri’s story of forgiveness, HateHurts is determined to help all members of our community realize how important it is to forgive those who have hurt us, and to end our own acts of hatred, no matter how small. By making efforts everyday, we can make the world a better place.

The Gift of Life is an educational program that challenges young people to eliminate hate and prejudice from their lives. Mr. Landwirth personally visits schools and speaks to students about the Holocaust. He has previously spoken at Florida Community College and started HateHurts with students on his HYPE council (Helping You Pursue Equality), many of whom are FCCJ students.

This April, HateHurts is partnering with PBS and FCCJ in broadcasts aimed at middle school, high school and college students throughout Florida. HYPE members will introduce Mr. Landwirth and urge their peers to take a pledge to pursue equality in all their daily interactions. Once students pledge, their names are added to the Web site, www.hatehurts.org.

Tolerance and mutual respect not only benefits our community and our College, it benefits each of us personally. Visit HateHurts to learn how your actions can make a difference and for the opportunity to sign the pledge yourself.