Or, Does it Have to be All or None?
The annual war of holy-day decorations and terminology is on once again. The latest battle? Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky noticed that Seattle's Sea-Tac airport had some beautiful and prominent Christmas tree displays, but nothing to represent the Jewish holy-days of Chanukah that begin this Friday. An airport being public space, Bogomilsky felt that other Religions should be represented as well during the holiday season, and requested about two weeks ago that a giant Menorah grace the halls alongside the Christian foliage. Eventually, Bogomilsky got a lawyer to represent his take on the matter, threatening to sue if something wasn't done.
The airport staff and their lawyers, determining that putting up the Menorah might create a "snowball effect" (no pun intended) requiring them to put up many decorations for many different religions, decided that it would be best to just remove the Christmas trees, and then review their decorating policies after the first of the year.
Rabbi Bogomilsky was "appalled" by the decision, saddened by the fact that the halls of the airport would have light taken away from them, rather than added.
Why is it that many people still seem to have an "all or none" mindset when it comes to the idea of representing multiple religions during this time of year? Yes, in public spaces people should try to acknowledge the fact that this country is made up of a colorful variety of people with all different faiths and holy-day symbols, but that doesn't mean that they have to become paranoid and not put up any of them for fear of upsetting someone. Common sense should tell people to cover Christianity and Judaism this time of year, and then, if other people "complain" about not being represented, put something up for them. Take it one at a time. Removing everything isn't going to solve the problem; this is exactly what most people who perceive a "war on Christmas" are most fearful of.
Worst of all, regarding the Sea-Tac incident, it will most likely be reported carelessly portraying Rabbi Bogomilsky as a Christmas-hater who is glad that the trees were taken out.
We should feel incredibly thankful that we live in a country that grants each of us religious freedom, and in public spaces, we should be happy (and not fearful) to try to represent the people who want to have their voices heard. As we work hard to replace the idea in our minds that public holy-day celebrations have to be "one or the other" in regards to people's faiths, we need to also realize that "all or none" is not the only other option.
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Sources:
http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_121006WABairporttreesSW.1663eccf.html
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