French Connection from page 24 2010 showed no part of the French Jewish community being spared: schools, synagogues, cemeteries, pla- zas, kosher shops, a subway station, a Holocaust memorial, rabbis walking down the street — even a home for the elderly! Young Muslims often have been the assailants in anti-Jewish acts because of their indoctrination against Zionism and Israeli leaders — indoctrination exacerbated by Israel's 2009 defensive incursion into the Gaza Strip. To be fair, some French Muslims have pro-actively integrated into society and reject anti-Semitism. But many seem to have made Jews a scapegoat for national ills, including a jobless rate of 9.7 per- cent. These separatists are loyal to the radical sect of Islam and condemn Israel for the Palestinian plight. Notably, there's a class of French Muslims who aren't openly anti-Semitic, but who still embrace extremist ideology against Israel. They also emotionally connect with other extremist groups, extending the range of their political reach. Fighting Back What can the French people do about a delusional president and a country steeped in stereotyping? They can decry impinging democratic rights. They can demand that judges hand down exem- plary sentences against hatred, and that teachers stress diversity and equality. School kids must be taught about fanati- cism, exclusion, cowardice and abdica- tion in the wake of extremism. And they must be imbued with the capacity to live harmoniously and with respect toward one another. French Jews can help the good fight by not stereotyping fellow Muslims citizens — saving outrage for the terror- ists among them. For their part, French Muslims, most importantly the imams, must denounce Jew hating — period. By allowing forces within their community that breed almost unconditional hostil- ity toward Jews and Israel, they cheapen their cause. Wake up, President Sarkozy. By doing so, maybe you'll also positively influence Germany, England and other European lands clueless about what multicultural- ism means. Guest Columnists Opening The Door So People With Disabilities Can Thrive L ast month, Jewish com- munities across the country recognized Jewish Disability Awareness Month, which served as a critical reminder of the need to welcome and empower the more than 50 million Americans with disabilities ranging from autism to physical challenges. It's now time to reflect on the achievements of the month in our community and think ahead to what we can continue to do all year long. People living with disabilities con- tribute significantly not only to the Jewish community, but also to the American society as a whole. The month serves as an opportunity to help shine a light on their gifts and raise awareness about what support they need to succeed. Along with all of our partners across the country, we are committed to strengthening the inclusion of people with disabilities within the Jewish community by taking steps to ensure it is open and accessible to them. It's an effort and commitment that endures beyond the month of February and one that must be a priority for all of us. That's why we are proud to be involved in the growing movement to come together and support individuals and families that are affected by disabilities. In addition to working to mobilize efforts for these individuals and fami- lies in communities, the Jewish federations co-hosted an important educational event on Capitol Hill. Clarification • "New Hope" (Feb. 24, page 40) mentioned a neurological condition called Lewy Body Dementia. In practice, the diagnosis of this condition involves more factors than could be included in the story. Rolling Up Our Sleeves Twenty years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, much work remains to be done. Here in Washington, we are committed to giving people with disabilities a voice as policy decisions are made on Capitol Hill. And speaking up is particularly important this year, as Congress turns its attention to the deficit and faces difficult decisions about which programs and efforts to fund. Experts on the education, civil rights and employment of disabled Americans came together and presented their per- spective on the issue to the Hill staffers and congressional members who will be voting on these issues this year. Despite the partisan political climate in Washington, the need to support people with disabilities is one priority that both Republicans and Democrats unquestionably hold high on their lists. And the national movement for disabled Jewish citizens extends beyond Washington. Agencies, coalitions and synagogues – among a myriad of other orga- nizations across the country – are working hard every day to support people with disabilities and to bring them into the fold of the community. Local Support In our own Detroit community, we are fortunate to have a number of agencies that are at the forefront of providing ser- vices to individuals with disabilities. During February, National Jewish Disability Awareness Month, Federation's Alliance for Jewish Education-sponsored Opening the Doors Program pro- vided a variety of educational workshops and community pro- grams to highlight approaches to empower and include people with disabilities and their families in our Jewish schools and community. Opening the Doors' recent inspirational com- munity program, featuring Elaine Hall and the screening of Autism: The Musical, raised awareness of children with autism and other disabilities. The Opening the Doors Program pro- vides educational support to 926 children with diverse needs, enabling them to receive a Jewish education. We should be proud that our Detroit Jewish community and its agencies – which include Jewish Family Service, Friendship Circle, JARC, Kadima, JVS, Tamarack Camps, the Jewish Community Center, Opening the Doors – have a long history of collaborating and partnering on various programs to provide valuable services and opportunities to individuals with disabilities and their families. Our community has made great strides; and we are hope- ful for where we can go next. We must let people with dis- abilities know how much we value them. Not just during Jewish Disability Awareness Month, but all year long. It must be a commitment we prioritize in our community year-round as we take real steps to listen to and engage these inspiring individuals. I 1 Scott Kaufman is chief executive officer of the Bloomfield Township- based Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. William Daroff is vice president for public policy and director of the DryBonesBlog.com Washington office of the Jewish Federations of North America. March 17 a 2011 25