Hip-Hop producer/entrepreneur Russell Simmons will talk at the World Jewish Congress today. Simmons and Jay-Z are also doing TV spots to combat anti-semitism:
The icon (Simmons) will speak as part of the "Unity: Fighting Our Fights Together" campaign, in which he will call for tolerance and cooperative work between people of different ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds in order to work against injustice and promote understanding.
Simmons and Def Jam CEO Jay-Z are also starring in a new series of public service announcements calling for young people to take a stand against anti-semitism in their own communities. In the spots, Simmons and Jay-Z ask, "What's hot? Respect for people. What's not hot ? Hating people for their color or religion."
The PSA's have been digitally translated from English to French, German, Spanish and Russian, all while still utilizing both Simmons' and Jay's voices. The spots were co-produced by both Simmons and Rabbi Marc Schneier, who serves as chairman and president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.
Thanks Meryl for the tip.