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

Newly Launched History AI Chat Helps Students to Search World History Encyclopedia

With over 420 million peer-reviewed historical documents and resources, World History Encyclopedia’s AI Chat now makes it easier for students to sift through those resources to find answers to their questions.

The Key to Enforcing Cell Phone Bans in Schools—with Help from CellGuard

If schools are serious about limiting phones, how can they enforce these policies in a way that is both practical and effective?

Trent University and Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Launch First-of-its-Kind Double Degree

Students will graduate with both a Bachelor of Arts and Science and a Doctor of Naturopathy degree in this accelerated seven-year pathway.

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.

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

Newly Launched History AI Chat Helps Students to Search World History Encyclopedia

With over 420 million peer-reviewed historical documents and resources, World History Encyclopedia’s AI Chat now makes it easier for students to sift through those resources to find answers to their questions.

The Key to Enforcing Cell Phone Bans in Schools—with Help from CellGuard

If schools are serious about limiting phones, how can they enforce these policies in a way that is both practical and effective?

Celebrating Heritage: A Student-Led Journey Across Cultures

In today’s diverse classrooms, fostering cultural awareness is essential in order to create inclusive and engaging learning environments

Planting Seeds of Knowledge: Life Lessons from an Educational Farm

Waynesboro Education Farm is an ambitious project. It sits on 1.5 acres of land adjacent to Berkeley Glenn Elementary school in the city of Waynesboro, VA.

Trent University and Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Launch First-of-its-Kind Double Degree

Students will graduate with both a Bachelor of Arts and Science and a Doctor of Naturopathy degree in this accelerated seven-year pathway.

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.
tecnica para ganar en la ruleta | casino capri satelite | juegos slots gratis | casino xxx | ruleta para decidir | jugar blackjack | aria resort & casino | big bola iniciar sesion | club casino bellavista | como ganar dinero facil de forma ilegal | los mejores casinos online | ruleta personalizada online | stake | casino 777 online | casino golden lion mexicali | máquinas tragamonedas recomendadas más jugadas | como jugar solitario | casino life hermosillo | juegos con baraja española | juego de loteria mexicana | casino caliente chihuahua | como ganar dinero con una cuenta de instagram | slot crazy | descargar ruleta virtual para pc | casino codere poza rica | casino slot | como demandar a un banco por daños y perjuicios | main street station casino vegas | ruleta mario bros 3 | real casino | juegos de casino tragamonedas gratis con bonus | 777 slots casino | casino rosales | bingo juego | jackpot | apuestas deportivas | ruleta de shots donde comprar | como ganar dinero con las acciones | casino night | casino delmy | bono bienvenida casino | dueños de casino caliente | play city casino | casino codere guadalupe nl | casino foliatti | free slot games | casino quinta raquelito | ruleta rusa internet | paypal ganar dinero 2017 | bar casino |