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Trapp: They're going into what they call the Fifth Era. Things are getting kind of bad for them, so they're going to act, and I think it is going to be very soon. I think what they're going to do is get into smaller terrorist groups, and there's going to be a lot of terrorist acts. This is what I fear more than anything.
Q. Cantor Weisser, Larry Trapp once represented a white-cloaked devil to you. How does it feel to realize that he's basically a good man?
Weisser: I think Larry Trapp has always been a good man, yet he's had a life that's been messed up. Until I spoke to Larry Trapp, I'd only had a couple of other experiences with people who are involved in the organizations that Larry was involved with. I never wanted to talk to them; I was afraid of them. The experience of having met and talked with and learning to love Larry Trapp has been eye-opening for me. Larry has helped me realize something about my religion that I've taught a lot of people: I am obligated to try to love Larry Trapp -- to hate what he stood for, but to love Larry Trapp.
Q. Before you met Mr. Trapp, did you have any idea how extensive these racist organizations were?
Weisser: They are larger than I might have expected. The extent of the hate network in the U.S. is frightening, and that network extends beyond our borders. The neo-Nazis are on the rise in Germany, France and other countries of Europe. The appearance of swastikas in Jewish cemeteries is again on the rise, and the destruction of Jewish-owned property is on the rise.
Q. Mr. Trapp, what do the past few months tell you about the past few decades of your life?
Trapp: They tell me I've got a lot of rebuilding to do. I want to try to change some minds. I know I can't change the hard-core racists, but maybe I can put something in the back of their mind that they can think about as time goes on. People who are borderline racists -- maybe I can get to them before they cross that line, because once they cross that line, they get indoctrinated too heavily.
Q. I understand that you received distressing medical news recently. Does that change any of your plans?
Trapp: The doctor told me I have six months to a year to live. I think I can push it further, because I'm ornery as hell. At least I want to get a group started that will teach people to help one another. I'm not going to stop just because I'm sick.
Q. You were born Roman Catholic. Do you have any interest in converting to Judaism?
Trapp: Yes. Oh, definitely. That's my goal. I think the Jewish religion saved me. The only thing that'll keep me from converting is if there's not enough time.
Q. Cantor Weisser, how do you feel about his converting?
Weisser: Judaism doesn't actively seek converts, but if Larry wants to make the effort to adopt the Jewish religion, I don't think I or anybody else should put barriers in his way. I would be more than happy and, in fact, honored if Larry follows through and makes that religious affirmation.
Q. Quite a sea change.
Weisser: The whole course of Larry's history has changed. My history has changed.