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Although Atlanta has a rich history of humanitarianism and compassion, its past also includes incidents of racism, intolerance and violence.
Almost exactly 56 years ago, the Hebrew Benevolent Congregation Temple on Peachtree Street, the city’s oldest synagogue, was bombed in the early morning hours of Oct. 12. Though no one was ever convicted, suspects included members of anti-Semitic hate groups, thought to be seeking revenge against the Temple’s progressive stand on civil rights.
Following the bombing, outspoken civil rights advocate and Atlanta Constitution Editor Ralph McGill won a Pulitzer Prize for his impassioned condemnation of the persons behind the bombing.
– Mark C. McDonald, Georgia Trust