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Channels Conversations Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories

The Rabbi and the Skinhead

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The Rabbi and the Skinhead

Cameron was steeped in white supremacy and neo-Nazi hate. In prison, he met a Chabad chaplain, and his life changed forever.
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Topics: Antisemitism, Racism, Prison; Imprisonment
Antisemitism Racism Prison; Imprisonment
Chana Weisberg is host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast and curator of advanced learning experiences on Chabad.org. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion.
More from Avrohom Yitzchok Perlstein
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Susan G. Dworin May 8, 2026

I watched and listened again. What a marvelous interview. I was struck by how powerful those pivotal moments were, when light revealed truth in the darkness, showing what was most important, what really mattered, what is of real value. I saw it as a string of lights, including moments of prayer and self soul-searching. What also struck me was the solemn conversation about making amends, how it started from within, working on oneself, and the fact that healing and full redemption is the work of Hashem. It is our duty to do all we can, in every moment, to make the earth a place of peace (as Cameron said “us” instead of “them”) yes, a place for Him to dwell with us. What a beautiful story of restoration, vision and partnership. Thank you again. Reply

Dina May 7, 2026

Thank you for this inspirational interview with Rabbi Perlstein and Cameron Hayes🙏 Reply

MARK COHEN AUSTROWIEK May 3, 2026

Thanks to Cameron and Rabbi Pearlstein for thier very inspiring interview. I wish they will be blessed with success in thier difficult journey. Reply

Eden Daniella Lazar Plantation May 1, 2026

Amazing people. Both of them. Really the type of people and message we need right now. Reply

Anonymous April 30, 2026

Thank you for this wonderful interview. So nice to see all the good work that you do , impacting so many people Reply

Diana H Newport, VT April 28, 2026

In my non-Jewish small town, Restorative Justice is just a turnstile to free privileged elites from consequences of their abuse and give them a free pass without taking responsibility. Cameron was lucky to find Rabbi Pearlstein who took the program to its best expression instead of the corrupt vehicle it can be. Reply

Abe Erdynast JERUSALEM April 28, 2026

Cameron: I just want to applaud you for - against all odds - turning your life around. From hate to love; from darkness to light; from destroying to building. May Gd give you the inner strength and wherewithal to continue to grow and build and shine positive light.
Thank you sharing your very personal story. Reply

Susan Dworin April 28, 2026

This was a great interview. Thank you. What a duo! It was so heartwarming and real. It was also very powerful and hopeful. This is the kind of conversation that is needed to open up hearts and minds for the age to come. What a wonderful time that will be. Thank you again… Reply

Miriam Jerusalem April 28, 2026

Cameron, you are a very brave and impressive person. You describe your life's journey with such eloquence and humility that the trajectory sounds obvious - but it could easily have gone wrong at any point.
May you and Rabbi Pearlstein both be tremendously blessed to continue your respectful relationship and to share your wisdom and inspiration with the world. Reply

María de Lourdes Fontao Espino México April 28, 2026

Gracias Chabad y toda su hermosa organización me da tanto gusto gracias al Eterno por sus vidas y la de el sr. Cameron por permitirse querer ayudarlo al Rabino Skihead de Chabad por ayudarlo a un cambio tan impresionante Srita. Chana por tan buena entrevista llena de alegría El Eterno cambia con una Emunà tan grande gracias por su entrevista tan maravillosa El Eterno les siga dando esas fuerzas para seguir luchando y ayudando a tantas personas les amamos bendiciones Reply

Denise Urich Phoenix via chabadaz.com April 27, 2026

Kol hakavod, Cameron!
Thank you Chabad for sharing this wonderful interview. May Hashem continue to bless Cameron with ability to improve his life, and now inspire and educate others. May Hashem continue to bless Chabad and the many emoyees and volunteers who are literally changing lives, and doing tikkun olam, and bringing Mashiach closer, IY"H. Reply