I sent this e-mail to Workmens Circle this morning:
Although I unfortunately was not able to attend your special meeting on Monday night, I would still like to express my opinion on this subject.
Both sides of this dispute are wrong, and therefore Workmens Circle should not side with either party.
The David Project is trying to prevent the construction of a mosque. As Jews, we should never be in the position of trying to deny another minority religious group the right to build a place of worship. This can only set a bad precedent that will someday backfire on our own community.
The Islamic Society of Boston is trying to silence its opponents by filing a SLAPP lawsuit. Even though the David Project's goal is wrong, and I disagree with much of their speech, they still have the right to free expression of their (wrong) opinions. A Jewish organization should never support suppression of free speech, however wrong-headed that speech maybe.
So I urge Workmens Circle to stand aside, expressing its disapproval of both parties' actions. Instead, please support the mediation efforts that are being promoted by the presidents of Hebrew College and Andover-Newton Theological School.
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I sent this e-mail to Workmens Circle this morning:
Although I unfortunately was not able to attend your special meeting on Monday night, I would still like to express my opinion on this subject.
Both sides of this dispute are wrong, and therefore Workmens Circle should not side with either party.
The David Project is trying to prevent the construction of a mosque. As Jews, we should never be in the position of trying to deny another minority religious group the right to build a place of worship. This can only set a bad precedent that will someday backfire on our own community.
The Islamic Society of Boston is trying to silence its opponents by filing a SLAPP lawsuit. Even though the David Project's goal is wrong, and I disagree with much of their speech, they still have the right to free expression of their (wrong) opinions. A Jewish organization should never support suppression of free speech, however wrong-headed that speech maybe.
So I urge Workmens Circle to stand aside, expressing its disapproval of both parties' actions. Instead, please support the mediation efforts that are being promoted by the presidents of Hebrew College and Andover-Newton Theological School.