SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

Teaching Tolerance

Advertisement

By Krista Glen

Matthew Bojer and Tim Zaal are two featured speakers from the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles who regularly share their stories with visitors, inspiring youth and adults alike to spread the word of peace and tolerance worldwide.

What do a racist skinhead and a homeless gay teen have in common? Probably not much more than a string of physical and emotional attacks. For Tim Zaal, a former member of an organized hate group, and Matthew Bojer, a gay man who once lived on the streets of Los Angeles, this commonality was their reality. In his early years, Zaal learned from his parents that racism was more than just a belief—it was a way of life. And when an African American shot and killed his older brother, Zaal became angry and his racist attitudes were amplified. He started listening to hate-inspired music, rebelled, and led a violent lifestyle. He became a skinhead recruit and was director of operations for a hate group, spreading his message of intolerance to other vulnerable, angry minds.

Zaal married a woman who shared his prejudiced beliefs, and just as Zaal’s parents passed racist ideals on to him, he too did the same to his own child. It wasn’t until his two-year-old son pointed to an African American man in a store and called him an offensive name that something clicked in Zaal’s mind. Ashamed and disgusted, he knew something had to change. He didn’t want his own son going down the same path he did. He divorced his wife and later remarried a Jewish woman. Becoming a positive role model for his child, he joined the Museum of Tolerance (MOT) as a volunteer speaker, sharing his journey from hate to peace with visitors.

It was at the MOT that he met Matthew Bojer. Bojer became involved with the MOT after the death of Matthew Sheppard, a young gay man who was beaten, tortured, and left to die. The incident inspired Bojer to share with MOT visitors his own experiences, hurdles, and hardships he encountered when he came out. When he was just 13 years old, he attended a performing arts school, and it was there that he realized he was gay. After telling his parents, they immediately kicked him out of their house, forcing him to live on the streets of Los Angeles.

Bojer found out the hard way that life on the streets meant more than just finding enough pennies for his next meal. It also meant protecting his own personal safety—something he couldn’t do the night he was violently beaten by a group of skinheads. Although it was a painful incident—physically and emotionally—working at the MOT has helped him come to terms with why he was targeted and he’s been able forgive those who attacked him. It was at the MOT that Bojer had the opportunity to forgive one of his skinhead attackers in person.

In a friendly meeting after a speaking session at the MOT, Bojer and Zaal discussed, in depth, their lives, experiences, and where they grew up. They came to realize that they had met before—when Bojer was on the ground, being kicked by Zaal and his skinhead associates. Both men were deeply affected by the realization. For Zaal, speaking out about his past has become his apology to all the Matthew Bojers of the world, and it’s helped in his own healing process. Zaal is a shining example of how intolerant people can change to become kind and loving members of society. Bojer assured Zaal he was forgiven, and today, the two are best friends. Years ago they would have made an unlikely pair, but from hate sprung hope and inspiration—not only for Zaal and Bojer, but for everyone touched by intolerance.

Avatar photo

TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Education News

Communities Nationwide to Defend the Freedom to Read at “Right to Read Night” During Banned Books Week

At a time when the very freedom to read is at risk, communities across the nation are joining together for Right to Read Night, a powerful evening of discussion, reflection, and action.

Debut YA Graphic Novel Explores Grief, Friendship, and the Great Unknown

This Fall, Emanata, the young adult graphic novel imprint of Conundrum Press, will publish “Quiet Crossings,” a poignant and visually rich debut by Toronto-based artist Vivi Partridge, with colour by Janaina Spada.

Leaves and Literacy: 8 Strategies to Get K–2 Students Back into Reading This Fall

Fall is a season of fresh starts. The habits established in these first months ripple forward into lasting reading success.

CoSN Unveils 2025 State Cybersecurity Legislation Report

The annual report provides actionable recommendations to help districts shift from reactive to resilient amid escalating cyber threats.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

TEACH Magazine
TEACH Magazine
TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Advertisement

Read More

Communities Nationwide to Defend the Freedom to Read at “Right to Read Night” During Banned Books Week

At a time when the very freedom to read is at risk, communities across the nation are joining together for Right to Read Night, a powerful evening of discussion, reflection, and action.

Debut YA Graphic Novel Explores Grief, Friendship, and the Great Unknown

This Fall, Emanata, the young adult graphic novel imprint of Conundrum Press, will publish “Quiet Crossings,” a poignant and visually rich debut by Toronto-based artist Vivi Partridge, with colour by Janaina Spada.

Explorations in Biology Through Origami, 3D Modeling, and Optical Illusions

Blending art and biology through hands-on paper-folding activities is a fun and unique way to engage students at the elementary level.

4 Places Teachers Can Buy Custom Assistive Technology Devices for Schools

Custom assistive devices empower students with disabilities by fostering independence, building skills, and supporting full inclusion in the classroom.

Leaves and Literacy: 8 Strategies to Get K–2 Students Back into Reading This Fall

Fall is a season of fresh starts. The habits established in these first months ripple forward into lasting reading success.

CoSN Unveils 2025 State Cybersecurity Legislation Report

The annual report provides actionable recommendations to help districts shift from reactive to resilient amid escalating cyber threats.
casino virtual | casino betsson tragamonedas gratis | nl casino online | ganar dinero con acx | hasta que numero llega la ruleta | ruleta para turnos | casino playdoit | juegos tradicionales de mexico | caliente apuestas | gigamatch | casinocaliente com mx | descuentos ruleta gta 5 | que es un parlay | ruleta online 2025 | casino petrolero | ruleta de retos para adolescentes | como funciona calientemx | juegos tragamonedas gratis | calientemx casino online | winclub casino mexicali | juegos virtuales | betmexico | crown city casino | rusbet | casino con bono de bienvenida sin depósito | que vender en la casa para ganar dinero | aplicacion para vaciar máquinas tragamonedas | ganar dinero en poker online | app para ganar dinero viendo tik tok | ruleta aleatoria de la suerte | casino cerca de mi | como ganar dinero estafando | casinos in san diego ca | predicciones marcador correcto | super slot | play city casino sucursales | fichas gratis doubleu casino | plaza hotel & casino | metodos para ganar dinero online | agen taruhan joker123 casino online | juegos de maquinitas de dinero | ruleta six flags mexico | casino delmy | casino mundo e | bet365 | classic slots |