People of all religions owe much to Alan Respler

Upon his retirement, our community must honor Alan Respler, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), for his life-long mission to combat discrimination against all religions. Alan Respler never retreated from his mission to fight discrimination. His work should not only be honored, but also emulated by all.

One of the most important efforts he took part in was the dinner we arranged with Mikhail Gorbachev's diplomat stationed at the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC. When I approached the Russian Embassy, they agreed to send David Chikvaidze to a special dinner held in Philadelphia. It resulted in further talks with the Soviets to allow Soviet Jews to leave Russia. It was the first time a local rabbi had shared a table with a Soviet diplomat in this country.

"This is the kind of 'citizen diplomacy' that ultimately produces change," Respler emphasized.

That dinner was also attended by the late Monsignor Salvatore Adamo, former editor of the Catholic Star Herald, Rabbi Richard Levine, of Adath Emanu-El in Willingboro, Rev. Angus Davis, assistant pastor of Trinity Church on Rittenhouse Square, reporters from the New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Jewish Voice, and about 35 Cherry Hill citizens.

As Dr. Eugene Bass, president of the Federation; Stuart Alperin, Federation executive vice president; and Alan Respler noted at the time, "We can all navigate treacherous foreign policies to influence change."

While the fight for freedom takes many years, Alan Respler never wavered in his resolve. He views potential at higher levels and stands by his deeply held convictions. We must always honor those among us who live their lives with dignity and love for their fellow man, unafraid to do battle to defend them. His entire career has been dedicated to righting the wrongs against all people who suffer discriminatory acts. Alene S. Ammond Former NJ State Senator, Cherry Hill