Author name: Buffalo Latino Village

JEWISH AMERICANS & ISRAELIS: VOTING AND KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE

Column /

By Victoria Ross “No existe tal cosa como una lucha de solo tema porque no vivimos vidas de un solo tema.” / “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” / “There’s so very much going on, that I’ll use this column for balance, both about points of view, as well as a few key aspects of our one struggle.” — Dolores Huerta First, about my trip and Israel/Palestine: I want to add a few points re Jewish Americans/Israelis: Many Jews are leaving Israel. Extreme unhappiness with the current corrupt and violent regime, loss of faith in the Zionist project, and chronic fear and danger are all factors. Many Jews disagree with what Israel is doing. Polls say about one third of American Jews say what Israel is doing to Palestinians is genocide, and 52% say Israel is wrong. Once must remember that Jews have been traumatized over millennia. From the Babylonian exile; to the Egyptians capturing and enslaving them; to centuries of pogroms; all followed by the 6 million murdered in the Holocaust; Jews have suffered mightily. As people abused as children may grow up to abuse; after all the trauma, it isn’t surprising that Israel’s Jews are traumatizing others. Hurt people hurt people. Years of Zionist teachings are another aspect. Lastly, US, British, and other Allies’ empire-building, antisemitism, greed, and warmongering are key factors in the unholy alliance and impunity that Israel has had. We work to save lives, stop genocide, and have liberation for all. The real victory everyone wins. No one is winning in Israel and Palestine – except war profiteers. Hopefully the upcoming election in Israel will make a difference. However, we must stop the US Government from enabling Israel and being a rogue, war-mongering state. Our own election here in the US also requires our extreme attention. Please VOTE!! It has never been more important!! Check your registration at https://voterlookup.elections.nv.gov/ or actually register at elections.erie.gov. Use early voting (10/24-11/1) to ensure that you vote (i.e., that nothing unforeseen prevents you), that early voting continues, and that your vote is counted and secure. Early voting is open to all registered voters. More info at https://elections.erie.gov/pdfs/EARLYVOT-ING2026GENPDF. Make sure you’re well informed on the candidates and issues. The League of Women Voters can be helpful here. Volunteer to help get out the vote, and/or to keep the vote safe and secure as a poll worker or elections inspector. Lastly, ICE, CBP, and DHS continue to endanger our communities. Please sign the petition at EvictICEFrom250Delaware and join the protest every Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. If you witness ICE or any DHS aggression, please report it immediately at 716-222-2190. When calling, tell them SALUTE: S – Size: How many agents or officers are present? A – Activity: What exactly are they doing? L – Location: Provide the precise address. U – Unit(s): Are there any letters, patches, or identifying details on uniforms, jackets, or vehicles? T – Time: What exact time did you witness the incident? E – (Evaluation): Any additional details that help describe the situation. Please share quickly. Equipment: What equipment/weapons did agents have with them? We keep us safe. Let’s continue!! Si, se puede – Juntos!!

JEWISH AMERICANS & ISRAELIS: VOTING AND KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE Read More »

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: Understanding the History Behind the Celebration — And Why Puerto Rico Stands Apart

Column /

By Alberto O. Cappas The Buffalo News published an edited version of my article. Here is my original draft for those interested in the writing process and how ideas evolve. The Buffalo News version was published Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and did an excellent job in their editing. Here is my original article: As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, communities across the United States begins to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Latin America. But the origins of this national observance are often misunderstood. Hispanic Heritage Month was intentionally placed between September 15 and October 15 because many Latin American nations won their independence from Spain during this period. The celebration is rooted in the political history of liberation — not simply cultural expression. Below are the Latin American countries that achieved independence from Spain: Paraguay — May 14, 1811 Venezuela — July 5, 1811 Colombia — 1813 Argentina — July 9, 1816 Chile — February 12, 1818 Ecuador — May 24, 1822 Costa Rica — 1821 Dominican Republic — 1865 (final independence) El Salvador — 1821 Guatemala — 1821 Honduras — 1821 Mexico — September 27, 1821 Nicaragua — 1821 Peru — July 28, 1821 Bolivia — August 6, 1825 These dates form the historical backbone of Hispanic Heritage Month. They remind us that this celebration was created to honor the nations that fought for — and won — their freedom from colonial rule. Puerto Rico: The Oldest Colony in the World: One nation is notably absent from this list: Puerto Rico. People need to be educated that Puerto Rico never achieved independence from Spain. Four centuries of Spanish rule, the island was ceded to the United States in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. Puerto Rico did not become a sovereign state; it simply moved from one colonial ruler to another. Today, Puerto Rico remains an unincorporated territory of the United States, making it the oldest colony in the world. This political reality sets Puerto Rico apart from every other country recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month. Puerto Rico celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with pride — and rightfully so. Its cultural, linguistic, artistic, and historical contributions are immense. But it is important to understand that Puerto Rico is the only “country” in the celebration that is still a colony, and the only one that never won independence from Spain. The Erased Struggles of Taíno and African Ancestors. The fact that the historical roots of the Taíno and African struggles against Spanish and American violence, abuse, genocide, and the long-standing desire for a Free Puerto Rico are omitted from most cultural events deprives our general community of learning our true history. Hispanic Heritage Month is not just about “Kool-Aid history,” arts, food, and colorful cultural displays. It must also confront the realities of colonization, resistance, and survival. We must do justice to our Taíno and African ancestors, whose courage and suffering form the foundation of Puerto Rican identity. This month offers a powerful opportunity to educate the general community, deepen historical understanding, and honor the people whose stories are too often left out.  

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: Understanding the History Behind the Celebration — And Why Puerto Rico Stands Apart Read More »

MES DE LA HERENCIA HISPANA: ALTO AL HAMBRE EN NUESTRAS COMUNIDADES

Column /

By Angelica Aquino UN gran mes para celebrar nuestras diversas culturas, nuestras historias y legado en esta nacion. Tambien es un gran momento para una llamada de accion como colectivo en todas las facetas de la politica domestica y global. Uno de los grandes desafios que tenemos es la economia y la inflacion la cual crece a pasos agigantados. El costo de la canasta familiar es aplastante. Es una realidad espeluznante. Vivimos un momento crucial en nuestra historia como pueblo. Muchos de nosotros estamos cada dia desvistiendo a un santo para vestir al otro para poder cubrir los gastos basicos: el alquiler o la hipoteca, la factura de la electricidad y la transportacion basica. Cada dia mas vemos mas horror, y descuido alimenticio en las caras de nuestros vecinos y envejecientes. Una realidad dura y cruel. Hace unos dias vi el hambre y la falta de alimentacion balanceada reflejada en los ojos y los labios de una pareja de abuelos. El con voz temblorosa decia en voz baja entre viandas y aceite vegetal: “nena, compra lo que este mas barato, y si alcanza compras aceite de oliva… solo si se puede. Me siento preocupado de como vamos a terminar el 2026. Todo esta tan caro, tu crees que si ponen el pernil en especial ahora lo compramos y lo guardamos para la Navidad? Tu crees que vamos a poder?” Me partio el alma oirlos pero mas duro me dio ver sus ojos llorosos y ver la desnutricion pintada en sus caras. Mi pregunta es hacia donde vamos? Que esta pasando con los programas de apoyo de estampillas de comida y la oportunidad de que nuestros abuelos y vecinos puedan alimentarse adecuadamente y con dignidad? Como es eso que Pepe me menciona que para que le de la despensa del mes esta de condado en condado con un carrito en las despensas de comida de las iglesias? Que se levanta de madrugada para tomar un numero pues ya varias veces se han agotado y como dice:” ay me he quedado sin pito y sin flauta”. Lo dice con tristeza y resignacion que si no tiene para comer entonces tomara agua de azucar con sal mezclado para calmar el hambre! Como es eso, no en mi tiempo no con mi conocimiento…Pepe es mi amigo y tambien un miembro con sabiduria de nuestra comunidad colectiva. Nunca con mi conocimiento pasara hambre ni necesidad. El mes de la herencia hispana es una oportunidad para hacer un llamado a la inestabilidad economica y nutritiva de nuestra comunidad y de nuestros envejecientes. Es una oportunidad para levantar la voz y concretizar un plan concreto de alimentacion. Es una realidad seria y de emergencia. No es posible que en nuestras comunidades donde la mesa y la comida nos une a todos nuestros envejecientes tengan que pasarse dias con hambre y con deseo de comer balanceado. La seguridad alimenticia es una prioridad y tambien una prioridad de salud publica a corto y a largo plazo. Sino pagaremos a creces a traves de las epidemias de propagacion de muchas enfermedades cronicas en nuestras comunidades. Basta ya! Este es un llamado a los lideres publicos para que tomen el toro por los cuernos.

MES DE LA HERENCIA HISPANA: ALTO AL HAMBRE EN NUESTRAS COMUNIDADES Read More »

Scroll to Top