December 11, 2006
No Christmas for Seattle/Tacoma Airport?
The Port of Seattle ordered Christmas trees be taken down from the terminals at Sea-Tac International Airport.
"All nine of the Christmas trees were removed last week instead of adding a giant Jewish menorah to the holiday display as a rabbi had requested. Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky, who made his request weeks ago, said he was appalled by the decision."
By which decision, I wonder? SEA-TAC's, or his threat to sue if he couldn't put up a Chanukah menorah?
Rabbi Bogomilsky is the local Chabad Lubavitch outreach rep to Seattle's University District. What the Rabbi and many in the public do not understand is that Lubavitch is not representative of normative Orthodox Judaism, and that local Chabad Rabbis are not the sole representatives of Judaism to the community at large.
So much for the basic facts.
In my opinion, it was unworthy of Bogomilsky to behave in such a manner. Jewish community leaders have an obligation to show the general community kindness, patience and wisdom. After all, we live in a predominantly Christian land. Our supporters and protectors and neighbors deserve the very best from us.
"They've darkened the hall instead of turning the lights up," said Bogomilsky's lawyer, Harvey Grad. "There is a concern here that the Jewish community will be portrayed as the Grinch."
Yes.
"Bogomilsky told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on Sunday that his group no longer intends to file a lawsuit, regardless of the outcome."
Bully for you, Boggles. Next time try kindness and co-operation and patience and try SENDING IN YOUR REQUEST SOMETIME IN MAY.
On the other hand, why-oh-why did SEA-TAC cave without a fight? That's a wee bit boggling, too.
(Tip o' the hat to Bill and Alex. Thanks!)
Posted by Ran
Damian adds: Woo hoo! Instalanche!
According to Captain Ed, the airport officials - who look like the real villains here, not the rabbi (who merely wanted a menorah added to the display, not to have the Christmas trees removed) - are backing down.
Update:
It's not quite as simple as Cap'n Ed suggests: It's a planning issue. Good news, though: See above.