By Peter Svarzbein
Nearly five years after 23 people were senselessly murdered and 22 more were injured by a domestic terrorist at an El Paso Walmart, we are no closer to understanding the depravity of hate and xenophobia that fueled the attack.
As one of the largest binational metropolitan areas in the world, we know that diversity is something that makes communities stronger, not something that should lead to hate and violence.
To honor the lives lost, address the lasting impact of this tragedy and rededicate ourselves to rejecting violence, racism and bigotry, the Anti-Defamation League will host a panel discussion on Thursday, Aug. 1, titled, “Remembering August 3rd: Memory, Trauma & Extremism.”
Moderated by KFOX-TV anchor Robert Holguin, our panel will include Dena Marks, law enforcement liaison for ADL Southwest for over 25 years; Bob Moore, president and CEO of El Paso Matters; and Elizabeth Robles, licensed trauma and grief therapist. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Philanthropy Theatre in Downtown El Paso.
This gathering will provide a platform for reflection, understanding and rededication to the ongoing fight against hate and extremism.
The memory of hate
The attack on Aug. 3, 2019, was not an isolated incident of gun violence but a manifestation of a deeper, more difficult problem: the rise of extremism and hate in our society. Pittsburgh, Poway, Buffalo and El Paso all were targeted because of racism and hate.
The Walmart shooter drove over 600 miles to specifically target a community he had come to despise through the influence of xenophobic rhetoric and white supremacist ideologies. By labeling this tragedy as a hate crime, we acknowledge the specific motivations behind the violence and the targeted nature of the attack.
In the aftermath, El Paso has shown remarkable resilience and unity. The outpouring of support from across the nation and the globe has been a testament to our strength and solidarity. Yet, it is crucial to remember that healing is a continuous process. The scars left by such a heinous act run deep, affecting not just the immediate victims and their families but the entire community.
Why call it a hate crime?
Calling the Walmart attack a hate crime is not merely a matter of semantics; it is an essential recognition of the underlying motives that drove the perpetrator. Hate crimes are designed to instill fear and division among specific groups of people.
By acknowledging this, we confront the broader issues of racism, xenophobia and extremism that plague our society. It allows us to direct our efforts toward addressing these root causes and working toward a more inclusive and just society.
Hate crimes have a ripple effect, creating an environment of fear and mistrust. For our Latino community in El Paso, the attack was a stark reminder of the prejudice and bigotry that still exists in our world.
We must call out these acts of hate for what they are, ensuring that the memory of the victims is honored by our commitment to fighting the ideologies that led to their deaths.
As a first generation Latino American, visiting over a dozen funerals in my capacity as a city representative in weeks and months after the attack left a deep impact on me and the need to speak out when we see hate and prejudice in our society.
My personal history as the grandson of Holocaust survivor with very few cousins and extended family unfortunately shows that bad things happen when good people stay silent.
The path forward
The upcoming panel discussion is a crucial step in our journey toward healing and resilience. By bringing together experts open to all El Pasoans, we aim to deepen our understanding of the causes of extremism and explore ways to prevent future acts of hate and violence. This event is not just about remembering the past but also about building a future where such tragedies are not repeated.
The panel will address the ongoing effects of the attack on our community, the rise of extremism and the measures we can take to foster understanding and compassion. It is a time to mourn, to remember and to stand in solidarity against hate.
By participating in this event, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a society rooted in respect and inclusivity.
Join Us
I invite you to join us Thursday, Aug. 1, for this significant event. Your presence and participation are vital in our efforts to combat hate and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.
Together, we can honor the memory of those we lost by fostering a community that stands strong against hate and extremism.
In memory of the victims and the spirit of resilience, let us come together to reflect, learn and commit to a better future free from hate.
Please use this link to register for this free event. Registration is required for attendance. A special thank you to Maxey Scherr and Scherr Law Firm for being our event sponsor.
Peter Svarzbein is community engagement manager for ADL Southwest, former mayor pro tempore of El Paso, and former board chairman of Sister Cities International.
