Religious Symbols at Public Sites
As a Jewish refugee from Hitler Germany in 1939, I would like to comment on the Chabad fight to allow menorahs on tax payer-owned properties.
Almost every Jew that I know, including myself, wants a separation of church and state. The American Jewish Congress is representative of most Jewish Americans in their effort to adhere to the Constitution and its separation precepts.
The Chabad movement represents a minuscule segment of American Jews (thousands vs. many millions). They don’t represent any Jews but themselves!
The United States was formed as and should remain a secular state. I would hope that the courts will continue to deny religious symbols from being displayed on and about any taxpayer-owned properties. This is the only sure way that all of us--Jews, non-Jews and non-anything--will be able to continue to practice what we do or do not believe in. Keep religion in the home, church and synagogue!
ERNEST SALOMON
Santa Barbara
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