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November 6, 1998/ 17 Cheshvan 5759, Vol. 51, No. 7
ADL leader hopes former skinhead will change ways
ANNE BRADY
Associate Editor
Ten days ago, Joel Breshin was convinced that convicted former skinhead leader Michael Bloom would never change his white supremacist ways and would always be a threat to the Valley's Jewish community.
But now that Bloom, who was convicted 10 years ago of planning to bomb black churches and Jewish organizations' facilities, has waived his right to a hearing on his possible early release into a home-arrest program, Breshin, the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, says he is "hopeful that this is a positive beginning for Michael, to begin atoning for what he did."
"He appears to be sincere in wanting to contact the victims and apologize for what he did," Breshin said this week. "I'm still a bit skeptical, however, until I see some real action."
Early this week, the state Board of Executive Clemency canceled its upcoming Nov. 16 hearing on the possible release of Bloom, at Bloom's request. Bloom, 25, had written a letter to the board saying he was upset about all the publicity regarding community concerns about his possible release.
Next week, on Tuesday, Nov. 10, Breshin will present the ADL's board of directors with information on the history of the Bloom case. The police officer who arrested him and the prosecutor who convicted him twice will speak.
"We played such a large role (that) our board members need to know why we challenged his (Bloom's) release - challenged it four times successfully over the years," said Breshin.
Bloom was first arrested in 1988 for plotting to blow up some 30 buildings in the name of white supremacy. In January of 1990, he was sentenced to four years in prison and seven years' probation. In 1993, he was released on probation, but he was reincarcerated for probation violations, after his probation officer discovered rifles, ammunition and Nazi paraphernalia in his home.
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