Rabbi: Restore Peace to Our Community

June 15, 2011
Sivan 13, 5771

To The Editor:

I am writing to express my concern about the recent events which involved local youth in defacing various properties, including a private home, Post Office vehicles and our local high school, with anti-Semitic graffiti.

I doubt that any person who has gone through the Katonah-Lewisboro school system can be unaware of the deeply offensive nature of the swastika, the ancient symbol that the Nazis turned into a clear reference to their anti-Semitic policies and practices.  The use of this symbol cannot be excused in any way, and must be understood as a hate crime.

Regardless of whatever provocation may have been involved, the alleged offenders moved the matter into a different and more significant realm by the use of the Nazi symbol, and they must be held accountable for defiling our beautiful community with this ugliness.

Beyond that, I wonder what help the perpetrators will receive as they move through the judicial process, so that they will come to understand the nature of the crime and offense they have committed, and will be educated, counselled and directed in order that they do not repeat this experience.

The members of the Jewish Family Congregation hereby register our desire to see justice served, rehabilitation accomplished, and peace restored to our community.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Carla Freedman