Category Archives: Levine articles

Editor-in-Chief Deborah Levine articles

Creative souls needed in war zones – by Deborah Levine

 ( based on column for The Chattanooga Times Free. Press)

When my hubby and I saw that Iran had bombed Bet Shemesh, a community outside of Jerusalem, we were horrified. That’s where our daughter Elana and 4 grandsons live. Photos of the decimated village and stories of nine dead in the bombing filled the news. It was 24 hours before we heard from Elana. You can imagine what a relief it was to see her post this on 

Facebook: “War has started again. Thank G-d we are all ok…” 

Continue reading Creative souls needed in war zones – by Deborah Levine

Bermuda Christian Jewish Alliance

Interviewing Deborah Levine

BCJA (Bermuda Christian Jewish Alliance) was founded recently to stand against the global rise in antisemitism and to foster unity between the Christian and Jewish communities. The coalition brings Christians and Jews in Bermuda together to combat antisemitism and promote Holocaust education through community events, dialogue, and advocacy.
My grandfather was one of the island’s Founding 400 and we’re the only Jewish family to have lived on the island for 4 generations – going back to the early 1900s.
Here are the comments on my interview by Tony Reid, a leader of the Alliance:
“On behalf of the BCJA , I’m delighted to express our heartfelt gratitude for tonight’s captivating Zoom talk.
BCJA flyerYou were absolutely brilliant, sharing your family’s remarkable Jewish heritage and contributions, both locally and globally.
Your engaging presentation and dialogue were truly inspiring!

We’re grateful for the insights into your family’s rich history and legacy, which have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on our community and beyond.”

CLICK for Part 1 Video 

CLICK for Jews of Bermuda Article Series 

CLICK for documentary:
UNTOLD, STORIES OF A WORLD WAR II LIBERATOR

Leadership in Our Challenging Times – by Deborah Levine

I often hear that leadership is greatly needed in these challenging times. But what does leadership mean? Is it a matter of personality? Is leadership defined by mission and goals? Are leaders inspirational figures who leave the nuts and bolts to others? The more we try to define leadership, the more the concept undefinable. “There are almost as many definitions of leadership as there are persons who have attempted to define the concept,” said Ralph Stogdill, a Professor of Management Science and Psychology known for his research and publications on the Personal Factors Associated with Leadership.

Continue reading Leadership in Our Challenging Times – by Deborah Levine

Sacred Calendars and Holidays Define Us — by Deborah Levine

Religious diversity and holidays are challenging regardless of the time of year with deeply held beliefs regarding food, sacred texts, and worship traditions. Yet, there is no season like the end of the year for demonstrating cultural differences linked to religion. The differences can be glaring, giving rise to culture clashes and political controversies. It’s astonishing that there was ever a planetary-wide agreement on a calendar that named the months, determined their length and decreed when one year ends and the next begins. How did that calendar happen and can we capture the global mindset that created it for today’s “Holiday Season”?

Continue reading Sacred Calendars and Holidays Define Us — by Deborah Levine

UNTOLD Stories of a World War II Liberator

EDUCATION TOOL &
AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY
(scroll down for links)

Holocaust education is a vital element to counteracting the  antisemitism and Holocaust denial as they grow world-wide. Educators and students, community leaders and activists should  hear the first-hand Untold stories of WW II and the Holocaust. Deborah Levine, daughter of a World War II military intelligence officer, has created this documentary as a tool for counteracting hate and for Holocaust education. Her father, Aaron Levine was a ” Ritchie Boy” trained at Fort Ritchie, the U.S. secret military intelligence camp focused on training men, often Jewish immigrants who spoke German, to interrogate Nazi prisoners of war.

Hear the wartime perspective of Aaron Levine as he liberated death camps, served as a spy, and wrote letters about his experience. Be inspired by the love letters of Estelle Swig Malloy, a Special Education pioneer whom Aaron married after they graduated from Harvard. Then hear the memoirs of Polish Holocaust Survivor, Leon Weisband who documented the Nazi invasion of his hometown.

   “Many liberators such as Levine’s father kept their experience largely secret So this is an important resource for Holocaust education and research…and a very engaging introduction to the journey of the Jewish community over the past century”
~ The Rev. Dr. John T. Pawlikowski: Founding member of the US Holocaust Center, Prof of Social Ethics/Catholic Theological Union

     “No student of history can come away from this without a deeper understanding of the sacrifices that were made to end the Holocaust and of the power of storytelling to heal the human heart.”
~ Dylan Kussman, Hollywood actor/producer

     “Deborah Levine’s work continues to be of utmost importance for students of all ages. The specific story of ‘UNTOLD’ MUST be told today and forever, so that the words ‘Never Again’ never lose their meaning!”
~Avi Hoffman, CEO Yiddishkayt Initiative, Inc.
Religion Communicators Council names Wilbur Merit Awards:
American Diversity Report and Untold, Stories of a World War II Liberator:
Deborah Levine , Dennis Parker , Michael A. Levine , @Dylan Kussman, Charlene White , Trish Ross , Joel D. Scribner , Greg Glover, @George Hoctor, Chase Parker.

 

From her roots in the only Jewish family to have lived in Bermuda for 4 generations, to her role as a Forbes Diversity & Inclusion Trailblazer, Deborah has been dedicated to “Tikkun olam”, Hebrew for “repair of the world”. This latest project is decades in the making, and is broadcast internationally by Jewish Life TV

“Untold” in its radio theater, documentary and music formats is a Winner in 17 International film festivals including: 1) Lily Indie Film Fest, 2) 4theatre selection, 3) NYC Independent Film Festival (11th season), 4) Red Moon Festival (8th season), 5) Spring Time International, 6) Bright International, 7)  Dreamz Catcher International, 8) Indie Cine Tube Awards, 9) Lightbox International, 10) Crown International, 11) Delta International, 12) EdiPlay International, 13) Red Wolf Film Festival, 14) Indiefare International Film Festival, 15) FlightDeck Film Festival, 16) Cine Sepia Reels Carnival, KIIFF Kurdistan International Independent Film Festival.

Author: Deborah Levine
Director: Dennis Parker
Music Composer/Performer: Michael A. Levine
Actors: Dylan Kussman, Joel Scribner, Charlene Hong White, Trish Ross, Chase Parker, George Hoctor, Greg Glover.

CLICK to see documentary
UNTOLD, Stories  of a WW II LIBERATOR

 

CLICK for the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga version of UNTOLD

Actors: Deborah Levine, Rabbi Craig Lewis, Rabbi Sam Rotenberg, Bea Lurie, Jed Meson, Dr. John Steinberg, Richard Zachary,

CLICK for TEACHING GUIDE:
Untold, Stories of a World War II Liberator

 

Top 25 Restorative People Leaders Watchlist

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 Deborah Levine:  Meet the Leader

Deborah is an award-winning author of 20 books, founder/editor of the American Diversity Report, and a Forbes Trailblazer. Her passion for the Arts began in her Bermuda childhood inspiring her to teach ballet at a school for the deaf, institute a Youth Cultural Video Contest, and create the documentary: Untold, Stories of a World War II Liberator.

Continue reading Top 25 Restorative People Leaders Watchlist

RESTORE OUR HUMANITY Video Stories

Humro3New Video Series Seeks to ‘Restore Our Humanity’ via Intimate Stories
on 
Autism, Racism, Immigration, Religion, Mortality

The American Diversity Report (ADR) is proud to spotlight a profound new video series, Restore Our Humanity, created by Deborah Levine, award-winning author of 20 books and documentary: Untold, Stories of a World War II Liberator.

Levine created these 5-minute episodes from her remarkable life to provide the inspiration and instruction for humane interaction so needed in today’s tumultuous world. The series is resonating with viewers for its heartfelt and thought-provoking storytelling about intense emotional issues including: 

    1. Ditch the N-Word: Bridge Racial Divide – #1

    2. Bridge Racial Divide – #2

    3. Immigrant Kid Struggles to Fit In – #1

    4.  Immigrant: Teach and Learn –#2 

    5. Jewish Factor and the Holocaust- #1

    6. Jewish and Holocaust- #2

    7. A Story of Autism by a Grieving Sister – #1     

    8. Autism Lessons – #2

    9. Humanity, Mortality and Moms – #1

    10. Mortality and Moms – #2

The videos are praised by academia, high tech experts, artists and HR professionals, as well as the general public. 

  •         “Viewers will not only witness, but feel — and reflect.” ~ Lee Webster, Former Rehabilitation Services Bureau Chief
               
  • “Stories like this are essential to open hearts and foster empathy.” ~ Papa Ball Ndong, Human Migration Expert Founder AICOSMO
               
  • “Beautiful and heart moving…something a good mother would do!” ~ John Lemon/ Deepsong Productions
  • “These stories touch the heart and soul, reminding us of the critical importance of humanity at a time where it is too often forgotten.” ~ David B. Grinberg, former E.E.O.C. spokesman and White House political appointee.

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MEDIA NOTE: Click for details on Levine’s books, awards, keynotes, and clients: https://americandiversityreport.com/editor-in-chief-deborah-levine/

July 4th Prayer – by Deborah Levine

As we gather together virtually for the July 4th celebration, my first thought is to ask for the blessing of our Creator who has placed us all on this precious planet. Our faith leads us to a shared hope for a future where we can harmonize, not homogenize, at the intersection of race, ethnicity, religion, generation, and gender represented in this country. That hope was not a conscious one growing up in British Bermuda as the only Jewish little girl on the island. But I’m honored to now be recognized as a Trailblazer by Forbes Magazine. And I’m both honored and astounded to be an Award-winning author of 20 books on cultural diversity and the founder of the American Diversity Report where I’ve served as editor for 19 years.

I’m astounded because my early dream was to be a ballerina, forever in pink ballet slippers. But God had other plans for me. Perhaps that’s why, even as a youngster, I was surrounded by diverse cultures and appreciated their artistic expressions.
Continue reading July 4th Prayer – by Deborah Levine

Religious Diversity Kit – by Deborah Levine

Religion plays a major role in our increasingly divisive world and expertise is needed if we are to achieve inclusive, productive and collaborative dialogue. The lack of expertise across a variety of communities and organizations is reflected in the tendency to not get involved. The resulting silence may only intensify religious conflicts and add to a paralyzing sense of being overwhelmed. 

The ADR Religious Diversity Kit provides articles, books, and podcasts for leaders who deal with diverse communities, employees, and clients. It’s designed to empower Religious Competency and lead to collaboration in our current environment that often demonizes “The Other”.