To our Newton friends and neighbors,
We are writing in order to speak together in one voice, to decry the uptick in threatening behaviors directed against those among us who publicly express their solidarity with the State of Israel.
We recognize the diversity of views about the war currently being waged in Gaza.
Our hearts go out to all who are suffering.
At the same time, we insist that each and every one of us be free to express their views without fear of reprisal of any kind. We cherish the right of all of us to speak openly and freely; that is the lifeblood of every democracy. It is deeply concerning to us that so many of our Jewish neighbors can no longer do so without concern for their safety.
We recently learned of an incident of a rock being thrown through a window in which a Boston Strong/Israel Strong sign was displayed. The stealing and defacing of hostage posters and of “I Stand With Israel” signs adds to this atmosphere of intimidation.
We call for the end of all such behaviors and are grateful that our Mayor and our Chief of Police are committed to enforcing the law, including the law against hate crimes, anywhere, anytime, wherever applicable.
We look forward to a time when dialogue and peaceful coexistence replace acts of aggression and intimidation.
Respectfully,
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth F. Baily, Newton Highlands, past president, NICA
Rev. Cheryl Kerr, Senior Minister United Parish of Auburndale, Chair NICA
Rev. Richard Chrisman, formerly Interim at Eliot UCC Newton.
Rev. Dr. Wayne Earl, Interim Minister Eliot Church of Newton
Rev. Xinyu Li, Lincoln Park Baptist Church
Rev. Tom Reid, Newton Presbyterian Church
Rev. Kari Jo Verhulst, Lutheran Church of the Newtons
Fr. Dan Riley, Pastor of Sacred Heart & Our Lady’s Catholic Churches
Rev. Jana Yeaton, First Baptist Church
Rev. Devlin Scott, NewCity Church, NICA
Rev. Todd L. Miller, Trinity Parish of Newton Centre
Rev. Dr. David A. Killian, Grace Church
Rev. Megan Berkowitz, Union Church in Waban
Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, President, Hebrew College
Rabbi Toba Spitzer, Dorshei Tsedek
Rabbi Gershon Segal, Congregation Beth El Atereth Israel
Rabbi Benjamin Samuels, Congregation Shaarie Tefilah
Rabbi Wesley Gardenswartz, Temple Emanuel
Rabbi Michelle Robinson, Temple Emanuel
Rav Hazzan Aliza Berger, Temple Emanuel
Hazzan Elias Rosenberg, Temple Emanuel
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller
Senator Cynthia Creem
Representative Kay Khan
Representative Ruth B. Balser,
City Council President Marc Laredo
City Councilor Alan Lobovits
City Councilor Stephen Farrell
City Councilor David Micley
City Councilor David Kalis
City Councilor Andreae Downs
City Councilor Josh Krintzman
City Councilor Martha Bixby
City Councilor Tarik Lucas
City Councilor Susan Albright
City Councilor Julia Malakie
City Councilor Bill Humphrey
City Councilor Rick Lipof
City Councilor Vicki Danberg
City Councilor Pam Wright
City Councilor Lisle Baker
City Councilor Randy Block
City Councilor Lenny Gentile
City Councilor Rebecca Walker Grossman
City Councilor Andrea Kelley