As requested at our meeting of May 2nd I have met with Ian Reisner extensively and last Saturday I read the following apology written by Ian at the FIPPOA Spring meeting:
"Dear Members of our Community,
First I want to clear up that Mati Weiderpass has zero involvement
or ownership in the Pines.
Now let me state unequivocally that I made mistakes. While my initial intention was bi-partisan dialogue about National & Israeli security, I've come to learn that intentions and outcomes are different things. The outcomes of my actions are that I've deeply hurt our community - and
I am truly sorry.
In order to help build a stronger community I am taking the following steps:
- I am renewing and redoubling my commitment as an ardent supporter
of LGBT causes.
- I will continue to invest my resources in the Pines, its cultural programs and activities that celebrate the diversity and acceptance of its community members, so that it always holds its rightful place in LGBT history.
- To this end, today I made a donation to the 'FIPPOA-PAC' -- matching All funds raised in its last active year -- which supports politicians committed to the Pines and to LGBT issues.
- More so, I will be donating profits from my Pines Investment this summer to the following organizations that I have supported in the past: The LGBT Community Center in NYC & The Jerusalem Open House, as well as to 'Equality Texas' which fights for LGBT rights on one of this countries more challenging fronts.
- Further, I am in the process of hiring a Director of Community Affairs to serve as a liaison with various LGBT organizations and to guide me in better serving our community.
- Lastly, I commit to meeting and consulting with community & organizational leaders, to hear their concerns and their ideas so that we can all work together for a better Pines and a stronger LGBT community.
Please accept these preliminary steps as assurance of my commitment to getting this right and to becoming the community member you deserve."
The letter of apology was received with applause and approval. I have since been informed that Omar Sharif Jr. from GLAAD was hired as Director of Community Affairs. $20,000 was wired to the FIPPOA PAC account and Ian has clarified to me that he will be donating "all of his share" of the profits from the Pines investment. Ian has again asked me to express his intention of getting it right.
Jay Pagano
