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County Legislators Paul, Davidson & Stilley Attend Human Rights Interfaith Forum

Event Underlines Rights Of Equality, Dignity & Freedom For All People 

Rockland County Legislators Aney Paul, Beth Davidson and Dana Stilley attended the Human Rights Interfaith Forum that brought people from various backgrounds together to promote discussion on the principles that unite us all.

The forum, sponsored by the Rockland County Human Rights Commission, Commissioner Spencer Chiimbwe, and the County Executive, included a keynote address by Bishop John Bonnici, Episcopal Vicar for Rockland and Westchester Counties, who spoke about the role of faith communities in addressing social inequities and building a culture of mutual respect.

“I’m happy this forum was held because getting to know our neighbors is so important in fostering a strong and resilient community,” Legislator Paul said. “We can never allow differences in faith or background to divide us. Our diversity makes us stronger. Sometimes we must work on building bridges due to our differences, but it is work that enrichens our community.”

The forum was emceed by Paul Adler, Esq., a Rockland County Civil & Human Rights Hall of Fame inductee. The keynote was followed by a discussion moderated by News 12 anchor and investigative reporter Tara Rosenblum. The panel included Rabbi Ariel Russo of the Congregation Sons of Israel in Nyack; Rev. Melvin Mungin, of the Rockland Ministerial Alliance; and Imam Syed Ali, of Masjid Darul Ehsan in Suffern.

Legislator Stilley recalled a statement by Mother Theresa: Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being’s entitlement by virtue of their humanity.

“We must continue to engage in open conversations that allow us to share and learn from one another,” Legislator Stilley said. “I am grateful to the participants who engaged in this important forum. I hope we maintain this momentum and continue to focus on the human rights of each person in our community.”

On Dec. 10, 1948, shortly after the end of World War II, the conflict in which the most people died in all of human history, the United Nations issued the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration outlined the fundamental rights and freedoms entitled to all people. They include equality; fairness; freedom from fear, harassment, and discrimination; and the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty. The county’s forum was held to underline these rights here in Rockland.

Legislator Davidson said, "I thank the County for organizing this crucial forum and the participants from Rockland's faith communities who frankly and openly shared their experiences and their hopes for a more just future. My hope is that we continue these vital conversations in search of actionable solutions to the divisions in our county while celebrating the diversity that makes Rockland such a special place to live."

For more information about the work of the Rockland County Human Rights Commission, please visit https://www.rocklandcountyny.gov/departments/human-rights-commission. You can also call (845) 364-3886. For information about Fair Housing issues, please call (845) 364- 3887 or send an email to fairhousing@co.rockland.ny.us.

Rockland County Legislators Dana G. Stilley, Aney Paul and Beth Davidson

Participants in the Human Rights Interfaith Forum

Rockland County Human Rights Commissioner Spencer Chiimbwe.

Ramapough Lunaape Nation Chief Dwaine Perry and Rockland County Legislators Aney Paul, Dana G. Stilley and Beth Davidson speak during the forum.

Forum emcee Paul Adler, Esq., a Rockland County Civil & Human Rights Hall of Fame inductee. The keynote was followed by a discussion moderated by News 12 anchor and investigative reporter Tara Rosenblum.

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