If Hayes had been Arab or Muslim, I suspect that your coverage of this story would have highlighted that Caleb is Jewish. But because Hayes, the shooter, was a pro-Israel Christian and Caleb, an anti-genocide Jew, you leave out important information, hiding the important story here: Supporters of Palestinian rights are at risk in Newton and beyond from aggressive pro-Israel individuals and organizations.

For the sake of Newtonians’ safety, you should have noted that Hayes had been threatening and harassing people at anti-war protests for months before the shooting, and he has been bragging about the shooting since. The Newton Beacon’s complete lack of mention of the extreme repression of voices opposing the genocide of Palestinians—including here in Newton—feeds a narrative that perpetuates suffering rather than bringing people together around principles of justice and peace.

Nora Lester Murad
Auburndale

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Editor’s Note: The Beacon has had coverage of the Newtonville shooting case for nearly a year and has covered the defendant’s past behavior in depth.