Chabad of the Main Line Hosts Talk by Parents for Peace Exit Peer Specialist Arno Michaelis

Earlier this month, our team member and Exit Peer Specialist Arno Michaelis, spoke at an event hosted by Chabad of the Main Line in Merion Station, Pennsylvania. The evening offered a powerful reminder of what we at Parents for Peace know to be true: people can change—even those who once embraced the most violent forms of hate.

Arno Michaelis speaks at Chabad of the Main Line on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Yakov Binyamin Turmelle)

Arno shared his personal story of radicalization and recovery: from joining a violent neo-Nazi skinhead gang in the 1990s to building a new life grounded in empathy, accountability, and connection. Speaking in front of a predominantly Jewish audience, he reflected on how deep personal pain and isolation once led him to white supremacist ideology—and how the compassion of those he once considered enemies helped him find his way out.

For many families, stories like Arno’s raise difficult but urgent questions: What do I do if I see someone I love going down this path? Is change really possible? 

At Parents for Peace, we see the answer every day. Yes—recovery is possible. And families don't have to face it alone.

Our confidential helpline, peer support programs, and prevention services are designed to help individuals and loved ones navigate the long road back from hate. Events like this one remind us that healing is not only possible—it’s necessary.

Read more in the Jewish Exponent’s full article

📞 Need support? Contact the Parents for Peace Helpline at 1-844-497-3223 or go to parents4peace.org/support.