My grandfather came to this country around 1917, coming through Ellis Island and living on the lower East Side in New York City. He helped many Jews come to this country from his former home, Salonica (Thessaloniki) in Greece. His brother remained during the German occupation and was named head of the Jewish Council, which interfaced with the Nazis. One day he was ordered to bring all young Jewish men to the town square. He refused. His reward? Deportation and immediate execution for him and his family in Auschwitz. We lost about 70 relatives during that time. I was raised to respect the rule of law and to fight oppression when I see it. We are in dangerous times. I can understand why the rule of law is more significant to lawyers and judges. After all, that was part of our legal training. But people need to understand that the rule of law protects everyone. It’s no excuse that a person is bad or has a criminal record. And how would they know since they don’t seem to conduct any meaningful research? That’s why due process is so important. Not only that but to send people to foreign prisons, who might not give a f___ about “cruel and unusual punishment,” without allowing those deported to see their families or a lawyer. That’s such a disgrace. When I was a kid, I started writing letters for Amnesty International and these are the actions of third world countries ruled by dictators. I was so proud of living in the United States. Now I cannot say that.
Donna, thank you for sharing your family’s powerful legacy, it’s a reminder of what’s at stake when we abandon justice and compassion. You're right: due process isn't just a legal principle, it’s a moral one that safeguards everyone. We honor your relatives, and also your grandfather’s courage, by refusing to stay silent now, because what happens next is in our hands, and we’re just getting started. I'm so glad our paths have crossed again and I look forward to you sharing your thoughts and expertise with our community. Thank you.
My grandfather came to this country around 1917, coming through Ellis Island and living on the lower East Side in New York City. He helped many Jews come to this country from his former home, Salonica (Thessaloniki) in Greece. His brother remained during the German occupation and was named head of the Jewish Council, which interfaced with the Nazis. One day he was ordered to bring all young Jewish men to the town square. He refused. His reward? Deportation and immediate execution for him and his family in Auschwitz. We lost about 70 relatives during that time. I was raised to respect the rule of law and to fight oppression when I see it. We are in dangerous times. I can understand why the rule of law is more significant to lawyers and judges. After all, that was part of our legal training. But people need to understand that the rule of law protects everyone. It’s no excuse that a person is bad or has a criminal record. And how would they know since they don’t seem to conduct any meaningful research? That’s why due process is so important. Not only that but to send people to foreign prisons, who might not give a f___ about “cruel and unusual punishment,” without allowing those deported to see their families or a lawyer. That’s such a disgrace. When I was a kid, I started writing letters for Amnesty International and these are the actions of third world countries ruled by dictators. I was so proud of living in the United States. Now I cannot say that.
Donna, thank you for sharing your family’s powerful legacy, it’s a reminder of what’s at stake when we abandon justice and compassion. You're right: due process isn't just a legal principle, it’s a moral one that safeguards everyone. We honor your relatives, and also your grandfather’s courage, by refusing to stay silent now, because what happens next is in our hands, and we’re just getting started. I'm so glad our paths have crossed again and I look forward to you sharing your thoughts and expertise with our community. Thank you.