Mahoning Valley high school students unite for transformative anti-hate program

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation hosted 100 high school students from Crestview Local School District (Columbiana County), Campbell City School District (Mahoning County), and Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools (Trumbull County) at the Community Literacy and Workforce Center in Campbell for a powerful educational experience centered around the themes of hate, reconciliation, and transformation. Event organizers said at the heart of the program was “The Cure for Hate,” a compelling initiative built around the personal journey of Tony McAleer, a former neo-Nazi leader turned peace advocate. Students participated in a screening of the documentary “The Cure for Hate,” followed by a candid and impactful discussion with McAleer himself, along with the film’s director, Peter Hutchison. The event was made possible through the efforts of Classrooms Without Borders, which received funding through the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The program underscores CWB’s ongoing commitment to Holocaust education, social justice, and the prevention of radicalization among youth. Support was provided by the Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation. The Jewish Community Relations Council represents the Jewish communities of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties in Ohio and Mercer and Lawrence Counties in Pennsylvania to safeguard the rights of Jews here, in Israel, and around the world. It’s an agency of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.