A Montana Synagogue has asked local police for protection from threats by Nazi groups. Some see this as related to an increase in anti-Semitic activities since Donald Trump’s election.
The Billings Gazette has reported that the Har Shalom synagogue in Missoula Montana has been under police protection after it requested help. The Jewish community in the city is concerned after people spread Nazi propaganda in the area. The Gazette further reported that the propaganda was not limited to attacks on Jews.
"In the weeks and months ahead, we will learn if the dark acts of the last few days become the norm or if they fade."https://t.co/qZeWWQlBWv pic.twitter.com/vXSunc3zpg
— Billings Gazette (@billingsgazette) November 16, 2016
The synagogue’s rabbi, Laurie Franklin, shared the following in a post on social media:
“Yes, it’s unsettling to know that there are pro-Nazi sympathizers in the neighborhood. Further, we have heard troubling reports, both local and national, about incidents of intimidation, harassment, and vandalism directed towards Jews, Muslims, Hispanics and blacks that occurred immediately after Tuesday’s election. Our congregation members spent an hour together before services on Friday in a sacred listening circle, attentively hearing each others’ concerns. I invite you to get in touch this week if you want to talk.”
Rabbi Franklin also shared the following encouraging news about the moral support which her congregation has received from the local community.
“Here’s the good news: when the story broke on Saturday, I began to receive supportive phone calls and emails from our friends in the area. Pastors, leaders, and others from our interfaith community were deeply troubled by the news and reached out. Complete strangers wrote to say that they want to help us. For example, we found a bouquet of flowers at our congregation’s front door on Saturday, and a couple from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bonner dropped off a fragrant apple pie for the Dances of Universal Peace. The Dances were heavily attended Saturday night, and people lingered long after to talk and visit.”
While Har Shalom did not directly receive any of the Nazi leaflets which circulated in the area, it was disconcerting for any Jewish community to see such things.
Now people everywhere are taking a wait and see approach as such acts have increased since Donald Trump won the election last week.
19 Comments
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Renwah
November 22, 2016 at 12:36 pm
Ken, are you familiar with the term inappropriate?
JohnPatrickHuie
November 22, 2016 at 9:27 pm
The story omits details of people spreading Nazi propaganda in the area.
StephanySuydam
November 23, 2016 at 7:29 am
I stand with the Montana Synagogue against hatred.
Nazlis
November 23, 2016 at 9:43 am
Muslims stand with the Jewish community in this difficult time
Davidl13
November 23, 2016 at 10:39 am
I am Jewish, I voted for Trump, pro nazis and other bad group do not stand a chance, have no fear, we will protect
Davidl13
November 23, 2016 at 10:50 am
All the loonies are losing it, because they know Trump will have zero tolerance for this kind of hatred in action
CandyDurant
November 23, 2016 at 6:58 pm
The apostrophe is not needed in “weeks.” PS: I will stop calling myself a grammar nazi.
meirgaon1
November 24, 2016 at 2:56 am
yet it started in 2014 gaza war
AJ2312
November 24, 2016 at 7:15 am
Davidl13 Sure he will.
GaryBreitling
November 24, 2016 at 3:38 pm
Davidl13 that’s EXACTLY what European Jews said”we will be protected”.. and when the Nazis came and shot family members in the street before taking the rest away to labor camps.. the neighbors were helpless in the face of brute force… and sat by as millions were killed…. Read your history David… turn of the blogs and TV and READ YOUR HISTORY!
Davidl13
November 24, 2016 at 5:42 pm
Gary and Aj, when I said “we” I meant us as a community, I know my history and if the Jewish community was smart, they would all exercise their second amendment right and not live in fear.. peace through strength
aecloud
November 24, 2016 at 7:36 pm
Didn’t our grandfather’s and Father’s kick Nazi ass in world war 2? My
father saw the camp’s. Makes you wonder why our fathers and families
fought in that war. When what they fought against is here in this
country trying to start the same thing; Racism and hatred. Weren’t our
troops there fighting for freedom and human rights and stop Hitler and
his Nazis from invading the world. What happened? Their here in this
country preaching the same message; Racism and hatred. Was it all for
nothing, that our families died on the battlefield???
Robin boehler
November 24, 2016 at 9:47 pm
Many thank to Temple Beth Am for your leadership! Where is JFNA?
The organized Jewish community must stand up. The appointment of Bannon provides the legitimacy white supremacist groups wanted. If you agree, sign the petition below. https://www.change.org/p/jewish-federations-of-north-america-call-on-jfna-to-condemn-the-appointment-of-white-nationalist-stephen-k-bannon?recruiter=185441156&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink
Davidl13
November 25, 2016 at 12:53 am
Watch Criminal News Network (CNN) much..?…banning is friend of Jews, so is trump… YOU are part if the problem.. spreading hate, fear and lies
RichardFisherman
November 25, 2016 at 6:45 pm
meirgaon1 Started by Hamas….and dont you dare blame Israel for that
RichardFisherman
November 25, 2016 at 6:46 pm
Davidl13 Bannon a friend of the Jews? How do you figure that? DUmbest thing I ever heard
Davidl13
November 25, 2016 at 10:43 pm
Well, you may be right…I didn’t really think that through all the way… Brannon is a fierce defender of israel, freedom and the usa and our allies… Some Jews fall into that category, some Jews, especially in this country are pro socialist, communist, Marxist and would follow marching orders into an oven if the dnc , Obama, Hillary warren, Bernie etc.. said so…
Nazlis
November 27, 2016 at 11:36 pm
Woll you “protect” Muslims?
Davidl13
November 28, 2016 at 9:21 am
If you denounce Sharia law entirely, pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the USA as the guiding laws and principles you live by for you and your family and fight Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism… Yes..