As I sit at my desk, I have a picture of PTU’s founders, Rabbi Levine and Father Treacy, before me and another one behind me. One I see on my office wall, and one I see whenever I’m recording video messages about PTU’s mission.
It has now been two years since Father Treacy was received by the Creator. He died on October 16, 2022. Rabbi Levine passed on November 4, 1984.
I’ve met many people who love Rabbi Levine and Father Treacy.
They both shared a vision of one human family, created by one Creator, whose destiny is inextricably linked. They saw the dangers of exclusive in-grouping, dehumanization, and how these forces lead to violence.
They knew they had to act, offering their lives and even risking their physical safety because of this vision. Many have been inspired to act in our nation and neighborhoods because of the power of their witness and example.
Now it’s on us.
They could have easily stayed passive and powerless. After all, what can just two people do? But they refused to believe the lie that we can only work on problems we can easily solve.
Today, even more than in their days, we see anxiety in our nation and neighborhoods. We see people feeling lonely, groups isolated, and the gloom of despair like a veil before our eyes.
Now it’s on us.
Loving these men is not enough. Remembering them is not enough.
To honor them and all the inspiring leaders who risked their lives for our common humanity, consider what you, your family, and your group can do:
- Find ways to show kindness to neighbors
- Tell positive stories about those targeted by dehumanization
- Gather for a Potluck for Democracy with people of diverse traditions
- Partner with other groups to benefit your neighborhood
- Support PTU and the continued work the Rabbi and Priest began
Whatever your tradition, I’m sure you share the value of our common humanity. You probably see, as I do, that we’ve turned away from each other for too long. You likely feel some sense of despair.
Father Treacy told me that he and the Rabbi often spoke of their shared despair:
He said, “We felt our despair lift when we did what we could. We felt meaning and joy and hope because the God of the Universe made us all for each other.”
They did what they could.
Now it’s your turn.